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Your Champions: Connah’s Quay pupil Matthew Cotgrave nominated for young person award

DESPITE battling with a life-threatening condition, brave Matthew Cotgrave, from Connah’s Quay, hasn’t let it get the better of him.

The 16-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year and even though he was too ill to go to school still managed to pass six GCSEs.

Impressed by his commitment and determination, Matthew’s school has nominated him for a Trinity Mirror/ScottishPower Your Champions young person’s award.

Connah’s Quay High School headteacher Greg Dixon said: “Matty has performed exceptionally well and we’re all extremely proud of him. We were bursting with pride when he picked up his results – which included three Cs.”

Matthew, a keen Liverpool FC supporter, missed nearly all the school year to undergo treatment, which included a course of radiotherapy. He has recently been told by his consultant at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital that he will need to take medication and have injections for the rest of his life. He will also need to make regular trips to hospital for scans to monitor his condition.

His commitment to his studies has continued and he is now studying in the sixth form at Connah’s Quay High School. He has high hopes to take up a role in the police force in the future.

Proud mum Kathy said: “I couldn’t believe it when we were told he had been nominated for this award.

“It has been a really tough year for Matthew and he has had a lot to deal with. We are exceptionally proud of everything he has achieved. It was all down to his own hard work as he refused to let this stop him.

“After all that he has been through he has stayed strong and gained excellent exam results. We are all just glowing with pride.”

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