A Bishop Auckland youngster is hoping for a repeat performance in secondary school having just been awarded a certificate for perfect attendance at Etherley Lane Primary.
The achievement is even more commendable, considering Steven Taylor had heart surgery at 18-months old and has recovered from a variety of serious illnesses including pneumonia.
Steven, who lives with his mum, Tracy, dad David and brother Andrew 15, was born with a hole in his heart and a serious bout of pneumonia when he was 13 months old put extra pressure on doctors to give him vital heart surgery.
He also had severe feeding problems resulting in him being tube fed over a period of time.
Despite all of this and also suffering from numerous respiratory and chest infections, he recovered well.
He was rushed to hospital the Saturday before his SATS in May this year when a nut brought on a severe allergy and his mum had to call the emergency services.
The incident still didn’t prevent the dedicated youngster from attending his exam the following day.
Steven was one of only three primary school pupils from across the county to enjoy an awards presentation night last month. The sporty 11-year old said, “I’m really pleased to have got through my time
at Etherley Lane School without taking a day off.
“Fortunately the one day I was ill with a vomiting bug was the same day the school closed because of the snow in February!”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
