Five-star success is tinged with sadness

GIMME five: Caroline defied the odds to achieve exceptional grades

A TALENTED A-level student who suffered illness and tragedy throughout her studies has defied the odds to achieve five A* grades.

Caroline Butler, of Grasscroft, who lost all four grandparents in just 11 months, was “amazed” last week when she was handed the clutch of top grades on results day.

The former Hulme Grammar pupil, who studied at Greenhead College, Huddersfield, was expected to have a successful exam year.

But all four of her grandparents died in a short span of time — after which Caroline suffered alopecia — complete hair loss.

Despite missing college for hospital appointments, the hard worker vowed to honour her grandparents’ memory by doing well.

She was rewarded with A*s in chemistry, maths, English literature, economics and general studies.

She said: “One of my grandads died just before a chemistry exam but I knew he wouldn’t have wanted me to miss it.

“So I just kept going and tried to do my best.”

Caroline, who also works part-time said: “I had to keep checking the percentages to make sure I’d not read it wrong! I rang one of my friends to tell her and she started crying she was so happy. I just think I was in shock.”

She plans to take up economics and management at Durham University and hopes to go into broadcasting

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