BARNSLEY College’s Faye Hall has been honoured for her educational triumphs despite battling a tumour which could see her lose her left arm.

The games design student bagged the overcoming adversity award, which was one of 19 gongs handed out at the college’s Excellence Awards held at the Metrodome last Thursday.

Winners were automatically put forward for the Principal’s Award chosen by outgoing boss Yiannis Koursis which Faye also took home.

She has gained high grades for her college assignments despite developing an aggressive chondroblastoma, a benign tumour which could result in her losing use of her left arm.

She was recognised for her inspirational drive to work to an excellent standard and be successful through the course of her treatment, which has included various biopsies, surgery, a bone transplant and extensive recovery time.

Faye said: “Receiving the first award was already phenomenal and then, to my shock and disbelief, I was chosen for the Principal’s Award.

“After all the issues I’ve gone through, it felt like the most incredible gift I could’ve been given.

“Everything that happened on the night felt so special receiving my awards and being spoken about in such a positive light was so heart-warming.

“I’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who attended the awards night and praised my efforts, especially my tutor Jonathan Dobson for nominating me and Yiannis.”

Yiannis added: “Our Excellence Awards show us just how truly fabulous our students are and they are always my highlight of the academic year.

“I am immensely proud of all our award winners and their moving, inspirational and amazing stories show us how well-deserved their great futures will be.

“I would also like to thank our sponsors for their kind support and Barnsley College’s staff who work tirelessly to enable such success.”