GRADUATING from university is one of the toughest tests most people will face in their lifetime, but one Stourbridge nursing student had to overcome a life-threatening condition during her studies to complete her challenge.

In August 2014, at the end of her second year at the University of Worcester, Amy Davis was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a genetic autoimmune disease where anti-bodies attack the liver.

With no cure, doctors told the 23-year-old, of Withymoor, that she needed a liver transplant, so she was put on the organ donation waiting list.

Despite this, she continued with her nursing studies and placement on a busy ward.

After three weeks on the list, in January 2015, Amy had her liver transplant and just six months later returned to University.

However, when she fell ill in her final placement week, a devastated Amy had to defer her studies once again.

Alternative treatment helped Amy avoid surgery to remove her large intestine, allowing her to recover and eventually return to university where she completed her degree earlier this year.

She gained a 2:2 in her Adult Nursing with Honours degree and has now fulfilled her ambition of working as a staff nurse at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Amy, of Lindale Crescent, said: “My experience has already helped and will help me in my nursing career.

“Through my experience, I have gained a greater experience of being a patient. I now know what it’s like to be that patient in the bed who has no idea what is going on, how it feels to be that patient who is scared and frightened of the unknown.

“I feel my experience has made me the best nurse I can possibly be. I am more compassionate, more understanding and always providing patient-centred care.”

Amy knows she is one of the lucky ones to get a transplant.

She added: “Graduation was an emotional day for both myself and my family. I feel so blessed, honoured and grateful to say I am alive, well and have graduated.”

Amy was joined at her University of Worcester graduation by fellow Stourbridge graduates Liane Peters, 40, who completed a degree in occupational therapy, Simon Crockett, 29, and Emma Louise Vale, 27, who both achieved a diploma in education and training and Chloe Baker, 21, who attained a degree in psychology.