A Stratford student was honoured in Parliament this week for her academic achievements and courage in the face of adversity.

Chinazam Nwonkonor beat a host of other candidates to win the Outstanding Achievement Award for Higher Education Females in the London Schools and the Black Child event hosted by Diane Abbot MP in the House of Commons.

Ms Abbot, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, praised Chinazam’s hard work and determination after she achieved a 2:1 in Neuroscience from University College London despite being diagnosed with hyper mobility syndrome during her studies.

Ms Abbot said: “I would like to congratulate Chinazam for winning this prestigious award.

“She worked incredibly hard, as did all our winners.

“Chinazam overcame some difficult circumstances and showed a great deal of resilience to achieve her results.

“The awards are about celebrating young, black people in this city and showing the world that they are high achievers. Chinazam is a great ambassador for her peers.”

Guest presenters on the night, including broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald, former Spurs and England footballer Ledley King, Stratford’s own Olympian Christine Ohuruogu, Team GB athlete Louise Hazel, and soul singer Ruby Turner, presented Chinazam and others with an iPad and a certificate.