Design student Thomas Abbott has achieved a first class honours degree and won a major contest despite health problems. Three weeks after a serious operation, Thomas, 22, from Abbis Orchard, Ickleford, presented his final work and finished first in a desi
Design student Thomas Abbott has achieved a first class honours degree and won a major contest despite health problems.
Three weeks after a serious operation, Thomas, 22, from Abbis Orchard, Ickleford, presented his final work and finished first in a design competition from which he donated £1,000 of the prize money to Lister Hospital, Stevenage, and £500 to his university.
Thomas graduated in product design from the University of Hertfordshire at a ceremony in St Albans Cathedral.
He said: "I was delighted to receive a first class degree as I had some health problems around the time of my final degree and was hospitalised at the time of my final submission date."
Other achievements include Student Lighting Designer of the Year at the Lighting Association awards, a University of Hertfordshire Gretna award and appearing on the front cover of Lighting Design magazine.
The former pupil of Nobel School, Stevenage, has definite designs for the future including setting up his own company and lecturing in his chosen field.
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