Gemma-Lyn defies the odds to carve out a career

Photo: Picture: DARREN ROBINSON

INSPIRATIONAL... Gemma-Lyn King.

A YOUNG woman who has battled against the odds to get an education and carve out a career for herself has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award by a friend who describes her as “her greatest inspiration” .

Gemma-Lyn King was born with cerebral palsy and her parents were warned she might never walk or be able to do much with her life. But the plucky youngster, with the support of her family, showed everyone how wrong they were.

Gemma-Lyn went to Foxdenton Special School, but it was decided she should go to the mainstream North Chadderton School as she progressed.

Her friend for the past eight years, Amanda Lowe, said: “She walked like every other child and spoke like every other child, and even though she had difficulties all the way, she went through a mainstream school and college to get the grades she needed to prove to everyone that her only disability was physical.”

Gemma-Lyn (26), who has two younger brothers, Adam and Dominic, flew through college and left with fantastic A-level grades. She went on to complete a degree in computing and media at University Centre, Oldham.

She began a two-year placement in April at Remploy, and is studying for a post-graduate diploma in management studies in the hope she will be offered a longer position.

Gemma-Lyn, of Thirsk Avenue, Chadderton, said she was surprised and over the moon when she heard she had been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

She is godmother to one of Amanda’s four children, Matthew (4), and delayed an operation to straighten her leg so she could take on the role.

“She came to the ceremony then went straight into hospital for the operation, and she was doing her degree at the same time,” said Amanda.

“Gemma-Lyn has proved her weight in gold at work and is now a manager after moving slowly up the ladder.

“She never has a day off, never complains, and has gone through so much over the years it would take me all day to go through it.

“She is there for everyone else when needed and she inspires me so much.

“Nothing is ever too much trouble for Gemma-Lyn. Oldham should be proud of such a fantastic young woman.”