AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager was recognised for carrying on with life following a life-changing diagnosis.

Rosie Sestito, a student at Queen Mary’s College (QMC), was celebrated with the Young Achiever award, after being nominated by her Fine Art teacher, Laura Starke, who was there to celebrate her win.

The 17-year-old was diagnosed with cancer last year, and has been having treatment, including surgery. However, through all of this, she has continued to try and have a ‘normal’ life, including balancing a job, studies, and a social life.

She was given the award- sponsored by QMC and Breeze- by QMC principal Ali Foss and Genevieve Touzin from Celador Radio.

Ali Foss said: “Rosie is a worthy winner of this award. Her determination and resilience are inspirational, and have enabled Rosie to complete her A levels to a high standard whilst dealing with the challenges of her cancer treatment.

“Above all, it is Rosie’s positivity that is so admirable, making her a fantastic role model for young (and not so young) people.”

Genevieve added: “Rosie is a real testament to a young person’s sheer determination and commitment to get on with life, despite the challenges she faces on a daily basis with a smile on her face and a can-do attitude.”

The award ceremony came at a rather awkward time for the student, as it was right in the middle of exam season. Speaking to The Gazette, Rosie said: “I’ve been really busy revising recently, and I had an exam yesterday and I’ve got one tomorrow, so I very nearly didn’t come as I felt like I should be revising.

“I’m really glad I came now, but I didn’t expect to win at all. I’m really proud and it’s all a bit surreal, to be honest, I didn’t anticipate this at all.

“I don’t know how to feel about being called a role model, I’ve just not been treating my diagnosis as an issue. There aren’t many people in a similar position to me, so I just had to do it on my own, with the support of my family and friends.”

Rosie has been studying Fine Art, English Literature, and Early, Modern and Medieval History at the college and is hoping to continue Early, Modern and Medieval History at Canterbury University.

RUNNERS UP: Jack Hempstead and Tasharna Stapleton.