A teenager who has undergone eight vital surgeries to keep her alive has been nominated for a Merton Civic Award.

Emma Collins, 18, was born with the rare congenital heart defect Tetralogy of Fallot which causes very low oxygen levels in the blood inhibiting daily life and often leads to heart failure.

Despite this Emma, of Leeward Gardens, Wimbledon has fought not only to lead a normal life, but has just received her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards, while in her final year of A-levels.

Part of the award involves completing a four night outdoor activity, and passing this element was to prove Emma's biggest challenge.

Her condition first forced her to carry out extensive stamina training with her cardiologist but just before the walk she was in hospital for three weeks suffering from a severe gastric bug.

When she finally took on the walk she fell and cut her chin and was forced to go to hospital.

She was not deterred by this set back and started to research other options for completing the challenge before finding a group in the Yorkshire Dales.

Despite further illness on the hike she was able to complete the walk and was awarded her Gold Award.

She said: "I was determined to complete the walk and I thought I would be able to continue but I was told it would not be a good idea to start walking so I had to go home.

"I was exhausted and relieved after walking for four days. It was a very difficult and hilly walk."

She now hopes to go on to become a nurse.

Emma has been nominated in the Young Person's Outstanding Achievement award.

 

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