AN inspirational Barnsley College student who had to learn how to walk again after suffering a stroke is now pursuing her dream of working in the dairy industry.

Neive Burke suffered the stroke in 2021 and left her having to relearn how to walk and speak.

Her passion for farming has given her the motivation to fight back and she’s remarkably now studying agriculture at the Wigfield Farm campus.

She said: “My love for animals and nature has motivated me, and connecting with them has helped my recovery by keeping me calm.

“It’s a dream come true to be studying something I love so much.

“After missing three years of school, I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to achieve it.

“To anyone facing a big challenge, I’d say: never give up, and always follow your dream.

“Storms don’t last forever - you can get through anything life throws at you.”

Neive was honoured with the Townsend Tribute Award at the college’s Student Excellence Awards.

Neive was nominated by her course leader Macauley Parkin, who added: “Neive shows us all what true resilience looks like.

“Her strength and optimism have made her a role model among her peers and an inspiration to the wider community.

“It has been a pleasure teaching her this past year and watching her agricultural skills thrive.

“I can’t wait to see her continue to grow and succeed next year.”