A TEEN who lives with daily pain from a rare genetic disorder is celebrating great A level results today and a place to study Zoology at Newcastle University.
Dame Allan’s Schools student Lizzy Ryder, from Gateshead, achieved A B B in philosophy, biology and art despite being diagnosed during Sixth Form with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), a condition that affects the body’s ability to produce collagen and impacts connective tissue.
“I’m absolutely over the moon,” said Lizzy. “To not only meet my university offer but exceed it, after everything I’ve been through, feels amazing.”
Lizzy experiences chronic fatigue and severe joint and muscle pain caused by hypermobility, which made it difficult to get through the school day. “I’m in pain every day, but I’ve had it since I can remember so I thought it was normal,” she said. “Even how I hold a pencil is different and hurts.”
Her symptoms worsened at 17, and she was officially diagnosed in April this year after years of struggling – particularly during GCSEs, when she had no explanation for her exhaustion.
Throughout her A levels, Dame Allan’s pastoral care team worked closely with Lizzy to help her manage the condition. She was given access to ‘The Snug’ – the school’s wellbeing centre – to take time out when needed, allowed rest breaks and extra time during exams, and teachers ensured she had suitable comfortable seating in lessons.
“I couldn’t have done this without the support here,” Lizzy said. “Dr Kathryn Wilkinson, my Philosophy teacher, and Mrs Michelle Megson, my form tutor, have been incredible – from getting me a soft chair in class to checking in on how I was coping. My friends have also been amazing, understanding when I find things harder and standing by me.”
Animal-mad Lizzy – who owns giant African land snails, an axolotl, shrimp and a bearded dragon – will now pursue her passion for conservation by studying Zoology. She even cared for the Biology department’s giant snails during Sixth Form.
Looking ahead, Lizzy said: “Every day I’m learning something new about myself. This diagnosis has helped me understand my limits, but it’s also shown me what I’m capable of. Getting these results proves I can still achieve my dreams.”
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s School, said: “Lizzy’s results are a testament to her determination and resilience. She has faced challenges that would have stopped many in their tracks, but her positive spirit and commitment to her studies have been inspiring to us all at Dame Allan’s.”