INSPIRATIONAL Cwmbran teenager Emily Clark, who died after suffering from blood cancer, has been posthumously awarded an honorary science degree.

Emily, who loved studying and dreamt of becoming a microbiologist, died in March aged just 18. Shortly before her death she had marked being cancer-free for a year after suffering with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Last week her family attended a graduation ceremony at the University of South Wales where Emily’s younger sister, Holly, collected an honorary science degree in combined studies.

Mum Donna Dunn said studying was “so important” to her daughter, who had gained six A*s and six As at GCSE level and started her A-levels just before she was diagnosed.

She missed most of her first A-level year because of cancer, and when she went to re-enrol the following September – with the aim of doing two years in one year – she had relapsed.

“Within a matter of weeks she realised she couldn’t finish her A-levels but she was desperate to get back to university.

“So we started looking at Caerleon doing courses.

“I rang them and they said to send your UCAS application in. They were amazed by her application and said could she come for an interview.

“She was really, really unwell when it was the day of the interview. It was the only time she wore her wig because she thought by putting her wig on she would look more normal.

“But she almost skipped out of there and said they had given her a timetable and she was accepted. I think she blew them away with how she spoke.”

Emily negotiated with doctors how to arrange her treatment around her lectures and most of the time went from the hospital to the Caerleon campus and back again.

Last week sister Holly said she was “immensely honoured” to collect the degree and called it an emotional and proud day.

Tickets are still available for a legacy ball in Emily’s memory on October 22 at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Ms Dunn is also calling on local businesses to donate vouchers which will be used as prizes.

For more information or to offer help please contact legacy.ball@remissionpossible.org.uk or Donna Dunn on 07813 572903.