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A Preston student who was placed in a medically induced coma for four weeks has beaten her health struggles to receive a first-class degree.
Occupational therapy student Daniella Taylor developed a month of her first year at the University of Central Lancashire at Royal Preston Hospital’s intensive care unit after contracting Covid and Sepsis.
The 29-year-old, from Chorley, said: “My family were told to prepare for the worst, and it was even more difficult for them as they couldn’t come in to see me because it was during the strict Covid restrictions.
“I missed most of the first semester due to being in hospital. I initially returned to university a month after being discharged from hospital, however I had a delayed trauma response.
“I became unwell again and had to make the decision to take a year out of my studies due to my ongoing health difficulties. I developed post intensive care syndrome, long Covid and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and needed carers four times a day.
“It was such a very difficult time, I felt hopeless and struggled mentally with PTSD, depression and survivors’ guilt but I knew I wanted to get back on to my course.”
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The former Balshaws Church of England High School and Runshaw College pupil praised the support she received to be able to get her back to her studies.
She said: “With one-to-one tutor support, I taught myself the modules I missed whilst in hospital and completed the assessments I missed.
“Over my course, I managed to do my placements with reasonable adjustments due to my new, ongoing health conditions. I had amazing support from my year leader and my tutors – they were very understanding of my difficulties and did everything they could to support me and ensure that I could manage.”
Watch what Daniella had to say about her experience below or on the UCLan YouTube channel
Daniella is planning to work on her recovery before starting a part-time role with the NHS.
She also volunteers with the University’s Comensus team.
Daniella said: “Even before I caught Covid I was having input from an occupational therapist. She inspired me to be retrain and give back to others. I love the work that they do and it has been my ‘calling’ as I’ve turned my life around and want to help others.
There were so many times that I didn’t think I would make it as it was such a challenge to complete my course with my mental illness and physical disabilities but I persevered and kept going thanks to the amazing support of my family and friends.
“I was determined to finish and work hard to achieve a good grade. The course has kept me going and given me a purpose, despite everything.”
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