Hartlepool student battles kidney infection to achieve top exam results

An inspirational student managed to fight off a serious kidney infection which saw her hospitalised to achieve exam success.
Imogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REIDImogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REID
Imogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REID

Imogen Joy, felt unwell in the run up to her A Level exams at English Martyrs Sixth Form College earlier this summer and brushed it off as exam stress.

But it was only as her health took a turn for the worst that the 18-year-old from Thornville Road decided to see a doctor who told her she was suffering from a kidney infection and admitted her into North Tees Hospital just days before her exams.

Imogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REIDImogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REID
Imogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REID
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“Back in June I spent five days in hospital after doctors told me I was suffering from a kidney infection,” Imogen said.

“I felt unwell in the run up to the exams and my parents were really worried, but I couldn’t focus on getting better, I was just focused on getting through the exams.”
Whilst in hospital Imogen was kept on a drip, but luckily she managed to feel well enough after a few days to sit her exams.

She added: “The infection really took it out of me and I had no energy.

“But I know the doctors were really trying to let me out as soon as possible so I could sit the exams.”

Imogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REIDImogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REID
Imogen Joy (left) and Emily Ray from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College with their results. Picture by FRANK REID
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Imogen was discharged from hospital just days before her first exam in psychology, but against the odds she managed to achieve the high grades she needed to go to university.
She gained an A in photography, a B in psychology and a B in law and will go on to study law at Northumbria University in the hope of becoming a barrister.

She added: “I wasn’t expecting this at all and have been up since 6am waiting for the results.

“I am just so happy to be going to university!
“I am absolutely delighted and my parents are so proud.”