AN award in memory of a Hale student who died of an asthma attack has been presented for the first time by University of Edinburgh.

The first Daniella Sciama Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Face of Adversity has been awarded to Claire Clark, a student at the University of Edinburgh.

The annual award recognises and rewards students at the university who have made significant achievements in the face of adversity.

It honours and remembers Daniella Sciama, from Hale, who died suddenly in December 2013 while in her first term at the University of Edinburgh.

The 18-year-old, who was studying International Business and Economics, died of a sudden asthma attack.

Daniella had lived with a range of chronic conditions throughout her childhood, and her family launched the award to recognise other students who have achieved so much despite daily challenges.

Claire, who will graduate from the University of Edinburgh this summer, has been fighting a debilitating medical condition which has meant over the past 15 months she has spent long periods in and out of hospital.

However, her hard work and commitment to her studies has meant that she has continued to excel in her studies, achieving a First Class Honours Degree in BSc Sport and Recreation Management.

Claire was presented with her award and a cheque for £1,000 at a reception at the university’s Playfair Library in the Old College.

Danielle’s mother Michelle Sciama said: “The award is such a very beautiful way to honour and remember Daniella. Like Claire, Daniella spent a lot of time away from school either in hospital or convalescing at home – yet through her sheer determination, commitment, grace and dignity, never let her illnesses get in the way of her living her life to the full and achieving the outstanding results she attained."