First-class degree for student who was in Covid coma

Daniella Taylor achieved a first-class degree in occupational therapy

A student who spent a month in a coma after contracting Covid-19 is celebrating graduating from university with a first-class degree.

Daniella Taylor was placed in a medically-induced coma in 2020 after suffering complications from the virus, including sepsis.

The occupational therapy graduate, who enrolled on a University of Central Lancashire degree just three weeks before she became ill, was attached to a ventilator and spent five weeks in Royal Preston Hospital’s intensive care unit.

The 29-year-old, from Chorley, said: “It was such a very difficult time. My family were told to prepare for the worst."

'Amazing support'

"It was even more difficult for them as they couldn’t come in to see me because it was during the strict Covid restrictions," she said.

She said she missed most of the first term while in hospital and while she returned to university a month after being discharged she had a "delayed trauma response".

“I became unwell again and had to make the decision to take a year out of my studies," she said.

Ms Taylor said she needed carers four times a day and had a range of physical and mental health support so she could return to university.

She said: “With one-to-one tutor support, I taught myself the modules I missed whilst in hospital and completed the assessments I missed."

The former Balshaws CE High School and Runshaw College pupil was inspired to retrain as an occupational therapist after receiving "inspiring" treatment from one.

She said completing the course was "such a challenge" but she "kept going thanks to the amazing support of my family and friends".

“I was determined to finish and work hard to achieve a good grade. The course has kept me going and given me a purpose, despite everything,” she said.

Ms Taylor is now planning to work on her recovery before starting a part-time job within the NHS.