A remarkable student achieved exceptional A-level grades despite taking time out to travel abroad to help care for her sister, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Ripon Grammar student Poppy Bartle, who is from Markington, gained two A*s in business and psychology and an A in English literature.
She beat her predicted grades and secured her place to study psychology at the University of Newcastle.
The 18-year-old learned that her sister Naomi, a mother of two who lives in Amsterdam, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in November, then just five days before her A-level exams a scan showed the cancer was growing.
Poppy travelled to the Netherlands during her Christmas holidays, half term breaks and during some weekends to help care for her one-year-old nephew Cosmo and four-year-old niece Margaux while her 39-year-old sister underwent chemotherapy.
The teenager, who also has two older brothers, Tom and Sam, said:
“It was really hard, and quite stressful. I spent a lot of time looking after the children, they needed a lot of attention.
“I felt guilty when I was not revising, but I just had to help out. Then when I was revising, I felt guilty that I was not there with my sister. I think she really appreciated my help.”
Juggling travel and caring meant her revision often had to be put on hold but luckily, she says, she had kept on top of her studies in Year 12 and revised throughout the year, as she didn’t want to leave everything to the last minute.
She added:
“I did myself a big favour there, being on top of my studies definitely did help me out.
"That would be my one piece of advice to other students.”
The worst time, she said, was when she heard her sister’s tumour was growing, just as she prepared to sit her exams:
“I told myself there was nothing I could do about that situation, it was out of my hands.
“I could only focus on trying my best at my exams and being there for her by calling and messaging her.”
Her sister has since been undergoing a new type of chemotherapy and the tumour is shrinking, she said:
“She is doing much better now and will have surgery soon.
“My family have been really supportive and my friends and the sixth form team at Ripon Grammar School have been there for me the whole way through, which was a such a huge help.
“It was difficult balancing everything, but all the support I had made it achievable.”
Ashville pupils praised after successive year of 'best ever' A Level results
Harrogate Ladies' College celebrates best A Level results in over five years
Open road cycling race in Harrogate area this weekend
A Level pupil inspired to study medicine by doctors caring for brother
Double Oxford celebrations for Ripon sisters
Ripon Grammar A Level results among best in school's history
St. Aidan's and St John Fisher pupils achieve 'phenomenal' A Level results
Harrogate business groups come together for summer social
Appeal after crash near Menwith Hill
North Yorkshire Council set to provide parking enforcement in private car parks
A Level Results Day: What to expect and how to prepare
Claire's Accessories to enter administration
Results day: Harrogate restaurant offers free treats to A-Level students
Harrogate MP's bake sale raises £300 for cancer charity
Have you seen wanted James Lee Mcglinchey?
Four suspects charged following spate of Harrogate burglaries
Updated appeal as search for Harrogate rape suspect continues
Harrogate's Big Wheel to return this week
Latest claimant count figures released for Skipton and Ripon
Positive feedback for Harrogate's floral displays
