A TEENAGE sports star struck down by a mysterious illness celebrated yesterday after gaining the results she needs for university to research her neurological condition.
Lydia Shale was on track to be a professional footballer representing Darlington and County Durham when she suddenly found herself unable to walk, lying in a hospital bed with a paralysed arm, aged just 14.
“I should have been the last person to be ill as I was ridiculously fit and healthy,” said the 18-year-old student at Carmel College, Darlington. “Instead I was in a hospital bed with no one telling me why – it was mad.”
Lydia was eventually diagnosed with FND – functional neurological disorder – a condition where the brain struggles to send messages to the muscles.
“It’s a life-long condition and for seven months I could not walk,” said Lydia. “My brain scans showed no damage so no one really knows why this happens. I missed the whole of Year 10 and had to do two years in one for my GCSEs at Wyvern Academy. Then, when I came to Carmel College for sixth form I knew I was in the best place to study because I am so passionate about my subjects.”
Lydia gained the highest grades of D* in her Btec subjects of sport and human biology and a B in her maths A Level. She will now read a sport and exercise science degree at Leeds University and already has four research projects lined up looking into FND.
“There isn’t that much research into the condition,” she said. “My consultant and specialist physiotherapist were in London and I used to have to catch public transport down there which was very difficult.
“I want to raise awareness and research the causes of FND to help others particularly as it seems to be on the increase because of long-COVID and reactions to the vaccine.”
Lydia is already working with the DfE on a video on the condition, talks about the issue regularly on social media and campaigns to raise awareness. “I could just feel angry about developing the condition but it really interests me and I am going to use it as a driver to learn more.”
Camel College principal Mike Shorten said: “Lydia is an inspiration to us all. After a year where everyone has had to face challenges Lydia is a great role model. She is focussed, optimistic and determined to help others.”