Family of Twynham School student Will Sears on his GCSEs

16-year-old Will Sears, who attends Twynham School suffered a haemorrhagic stroke in 2019 while on holiday in France – leaving him subject to epileptic seizures.

In July last year, in order to prevent the risk of further strokes, Will had a “fist-full” of his brain removed in a craniotomy where Great Ormond Street doctors warned he could remain in hospital for months.

Five days later, and the keen sailor was able to walk out of the hospital with a titanium plate in his head ready to tackle year 11.

Will suffered a haemorrhagic stroke whilst on a family holiday in France in 2019

Less than one year after the surgery and Will has astonishingly achieved the equivalent of two A*s, three As, as well as several Bs and one C – after initial doubt he would even be able to sit his exams.

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His proud mum Cherie spoke to the Echo while in the middle of the Solent, where Will had sailed them out to on their old family yacht in celebration.

She said: “Will went to school on his own and wanted us to stay at home when he picked up his results. I think it was a tough one for him because he didn’t know how well he was going to do.

“It’s been a massive run for him so when he texted the results to me, I had a little cry.

“We’re incredibly proud of him and all he wanted to do in celebration was go for a McDonald’s and a sail – so we got him a sausage McMuffin and went out on the boat.

Twynham School student Will Sears

“I think he was a little bit stunned but he is absolutely chuffed and proud of himself. It was tough enough having to go through Covid, but then having to recover from a stroke, wait for lifechanging brain surgery, recover from that and then take on GCSE’s – that’s special. We’re so proud.”

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Following his success, Will would like to continue at Twynham Sixth Form to study biology, psychology, chemistry and business. His ultimate goal is to become a paramedic.

The neurosurgery team at Great Ormond Street paid tribute to Will on social media, as did Cavernoma Alliance UK, who said: “Massive shout out to you too Cherie – Will is lucky to have you as his mum. You make a fab team, this is a big moment and a huge win for all of you. Congratulations.”