Occupational therapy graduate Daniella Taylor was placed in a medically induced coma for four weeks after contract Covid-19
A student who spent weeks battling for her life in a coma is celebrating graduating with a First from the University of Central Lancashire.
Occupational therapy graduate Daniella Taylor was placed in a medically induced coma for four weeks after suffering serious complications, including sepsis, after contracting Covid-19.
The 29-year-old, who had only enrolled on to her three-year course three weeks before she became ill, was attached to a ventilator and spend five weeks in Royal Preston Hospital’s intensive care unit.
She said: “My family were told to prepare for the worst, and it was even more difficult for them as they couldn’t come in to see me because it was during the strict Covid restrictions.
“I missed most of the first semester due to being in hospital. I initially returned to university a month after being discharged from hospital, however I had a delayed trauma response.
"My family were told to prepare for the worst, and it was even more difficult for them as they couldn’t come in to see me because it was during the strict Covid restrictions"
— Occupational therapy graduate Daniella Taylor
“I became unwell again and had to make the decision to take a year out of my studies due to my ongoing health difficulties. I developed post intensive care syndrome, long Covid and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and needed carers four times a day.
“It was such a very difficult time, I felt hopeless and struggled mentally with PTSD, depression and survivors’ guilt but I knew I wanted to get back on to my course.”
Daniella, from Chorley, engaged with a range of physical and mental health services and got back into a position where she could return to her studies.
“With one-to-one tutor support, I taught myself the modules I missed whilst in hospital and completed the assessments I missed.
“Over my course, I managed to do my placements with reasonable adjustments due to my new, ongoing health conditions. I had amazing support from my year leader and my tutors – they were very understanding of my difficulties and did everything they could to support me and ensure that I could manage.”
The former Balshaws CE High School and Runshaw College pupil was inspired to retrain as an occupational therapist after receiving treatment from one.
She said: “Even before I caught Covid I was having input from an occupational therapist. She inspired me to be retrain and give back to others. I love the work that they do and it has been my ‘calling’ as I’ve turned my life around and want to help others.”
"There were so many times that I didn’t think I would make it as it was such a challenge to complete my course with my mental illness and physical disabilities but I persevered and kept going thanks to the amazing support of my family and friends"
— Daniella Taylor, who gained a First
Daniella, who was one of the lucky students chosen to meet Princess Anne while she was undertaking a visit to the University of Central Lancashire’s Preston Campus, donned her academic cap and gown took earlier this week when she took to the graduation stage.
She commented: “There were so many times that I didn’t think I would make it as it was such a challenge to complete my course with my mental illness and physical disabilities but I persevered and kept going thanks to the amazing support of my family and friends.
“I was determined to finish and work hard to achieve a good grade. The course has kept me going and given me a purpose, despite everything.”
Daniella, who now volunteers with the University’s Comensus team, added: “I work with a fantastic therapist and care-coordinator, as well as accessing services for my physical disabilities who have helped me with managing my conditions alongside studies.
“I feel excited to celebrate my achievement. It’s been such a long road for me to get to this moment but I’ve overcome some many things, enjoyed my placements and met some fantastic friends.”
Daniella is now planning to work on her recovery before starting a part-time job within the NHS, with the hope that over the years she can build herself up to working full-time.