Hasan triumphs over adversity

Photo: Darren Robinson

Reasons to smile: Hasan Umar.

A TEENAGER thought to be the only person in the country with a trio of serious illnesses is celebrating GCSE success — despite thieves having stolen the wheelchair he relies on every day.

Hathershaw College pupil Hasan Umar from Coppice has passed English and maths even though he missed much of his year nine studies.

The 16 year old went from being an active teenager to physically weak almost overnight when he contacted swine flu in year eight. His infection was made worse because he also has bone marrow suppression — a drop in the cells which carry blood and fight infection — and has a shunt in his lung which leaves his body struggling to pump enough oxygenated blood.

He has used an oxygen tank around the clock since his 13th birthday and also relies on a wheelchair.

As reported in the Chronicle, Hasan stunned pupils and staff when he fulfilled his ambition to walk into his school prom last month.

He will now do a business course at Oldham College — despite only managing an hour a day at school at one point and lots of time at hospital appointments.

But Hasan’s independence was cruelly taken away from him when his electric wheelchair was stolen from outside his cousin’s house in Thomas Street North last Friday afternoon.

His father Tanweer is appealing for help tracing the wheelchair and hopes it will be returned as soon as possible to enable Hasan to continue his studies.

“The electric wheelchair gave Hasan a lifeline. For the first time after three years he was able to go outside by himself — and it gave him a new lease of life.

“We have witnesses who saw some kids riding his wheelchair around the local area.

“We have searched the whole area but there is no sign of it.

“If it has been abandoned we would like to know where so we can pick it up.”

Speaking about Hasan’s progress and results, Hathershaw College principal Dave McEntee said: “Hasan is a real example of triumph over adversity. He worked extremely hard to prepare for his GCSEs, attending many after school, weekend and holiday sessions.”

TWELVE PAGE results supplement in tonight’s print and eChron editions