A STUDENT who has 'survived trials and tribulations' to go on to study psychology at York College has been awarded a prize by the Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation.

Ellie Maycock was presented with the annual prize by Marjorie Marks-Stuttle, in memory of her daughter Caroline, who was murdered during a gap year in Australia in 2002. The foundation was set up after her death to help other young people travelling around the world.

Ellie, aged 19, a former pupil of Canon Lee School Specialist Arts College, has studied A Levels in Psychology, English Language and Philosophy at York College, as well completing an Extended Project Qualification.

She is awaiting her A Level results and hopes to progress to Durham University to study a degree in psychology.

Her tutor Peter Fenton said Ellie was 'one of the most humble and hardworking students I have ever had the privilege to teach.'

He said: " Over the past few years she has survived trials and tribulations that many would have found too daunting to bear, and through it all she has driven herself to achieve and excel in all her studies.

"Her understanding of psychology has become very well developed, and she has pushed beyond the boundaries of the A Level to conduct an EPQ into the evolutionary explanations of ‘Creepiness’, which achieved her high regard among her tutors.

"She is a genuinely lovely person, and one who could not be more deserving of this prize. I am very proud of her.”

Ellie said she could not believe she had been chosen. "I thought there were other more deserving students," she said. "It’s true I have a passion for psychology and I really do appreciate the significance of this annual college award, given on behalf of an incredible charity.

"Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation has done so much to help young people travelling around the world and I feel honoured to be this year’s winner.”

Mrs Marks-Stuttle said that like Ellie, her daughter loved studying psychology at York College and intended going to university to study the subject further, adding: "I am pleased to present Ellie with this award on behalf of Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation, which in some small way will enable her to pursue a degree in the subject.”