The remarkable stories of our new graduates | 15
“ There were times when I struggled, but the support from staff and lecturers made all the difference,” she said. She also found solace in the University’ s campus, particularly its woodland and lakes, which became a place for reflection during difficult periods.
Alongside her studies and NHS work, Lauren volunteered as a safeguarding officer at St Giles Church in Newcastle-under- Lyme, helping to introduce its first equality and diversity policy.
Young woman inspired to study medicine after teenage cancer diagnosis graduates as a doctor
Now a Keele graduate and Student of the Year, Lauren hopes to pursue a career in hospital-based research. She said:“ I want to make a difference to people’ s lives, and research is one way to do that. You might not see the results instantly but ten years down the line, it could have a massive impact on people and how they live.
“ I have found a genuine passion and interest in medicine and how I can try to actively change problems in the future.”
The Student of the Year award is kindly supported with a donation from Keele University alumnus Neil Smith.
A young woman who was inspired to study medicine after overcoming cancer as a teenager has graduated from Keele University and is now beginning her career as a doctor.
Ellie Waters-Barnes, 25, graduated from Keele’ s School of Medicine this summer and received the Vice Chancellor’ s Commendation. She will start work as a Foundation Doctor at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Ellie was just 14 when she was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. She underwent 18 months of treatment, including intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and missed an entire year of school. Determined not to let her illness define her future, she repeated Year 10 and focused on achieving her ambition of studying medicine.
Reflecting on the experience, Ellie said:“ I coped with everything by throwing myself into studying and revising, with my dream of becoming a doctor keeping me going.”
It was during her treatment that Ellie discovered her passion for medicine, inspired by the healthcare professionals who cared for her.
“ I was really interested in medicine and wanted to pursue this career,” she said.“ I’ m thankful it’ s led me on this path because I love helping people, it’ s everything to me.”
After joining Keele in 2021, Ellie spent five years working towards her goal and believes her own experiences as a patient will help shape the kind of doctor she becomes.
“ Patients care about your communication, your understanding, and you advocating for them,” she said.“ I hope it makes me a better doctor for my experiences because I understand what their priorities are.”
Looking back on her journey, Ellie hopes her story can encourage others facing difficult circumstances. Her advice is simple:“ You cannot control what has happened, but what you can control is your attitude towards it.” She added:“ No matter what happens you can always pick yourself up and not let it get the better of you or define you. Take these problems in your stride and remake them into something positive.”