There’s no denying it has been a tough few years for Dylan.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at 15 he has learnt to live with frequent hospital stays and treatment.
Add to the mix a global pandemic and being in a high-risk category has meant extensive periods of shielding for the Bede Sixth Form College student.
But catching up with the 19-year-old from Billingham this week, none of that seems important.
With his course results in hand, Dylan is delighted to have achieved what he needs to secure his place to study professional policing at CU Scarborough.
“I’m excited but also nervous because it is something new and a whole new stage for me,” he said.
Visiting his new university accommodation earlier this week, and having completed his treatment last December, it all marks an important step.
Hoping to one day join the police, Dylan has worked hard to achieve his ambition, committing to his studies and volunteering as a scout leader and police cadet.
The public services course at Bede Sixth Form has now given him the foundations for a future career in the force.
He explained: “It has been good but also challenging. There’s a lot of sport and fitness, but if something has been too physically demanding they adjusted it for me.”
In fact, he said, with physical exercise a significant part of the course, it has even helped him to regain his strength.
“When I first came into the college I was in a wheelchair, the tutors haven’t pushed me but they did help me to get my fitness back.”
Reflecting on the last year, it’s been a mixed bag for Dylan, but getting to ring the bell to mark the end of his treatment was definitely a highlight, results day is another, as will be starting university.
Keeping up with his studies, particularly while shielding brought its own challenges, but Dylan has managed to keep his chin up, with lots of support from his family.
Not one for feeling sorry for himself, even after first being diagnosed, he said: “You just have to get on with it. I was the one that was joking around in those first couple of weeks.”
Looking back, he added: “I think I was trying to be the strong one.”
Now ready to embark on his next chapter he remains forever grateful, both to his family and the charities that have offered their support, especially The Teenage Cancer Trust.
“When I was in hospital for four and a half weeks they came to see me every day and played Connect 4 with me,” said Dylan with a smile. “Just to see a different face from the doctors and nurses and have them sit with me, I think it kept me sane.”
Bede’s programme area leader for sport and public services, Phil Cummins, said: “Dylan has been a credit to the college and the public services course. The challenges he has faced whilst studying, and to achieve what he has, is truly inspirational.”
