Ciaran Boyle told the Belfast Telegraph that he now aspires to become a barrister specialising in human rights.

Having left secondary school with no qualifications, he completed a one-year access course offered by North West Regional College in association with the university order to enrol in a law course.

Mr Boyle said: “Law was always the course I wanted to enrol in, I just never thought I would get enough points to study it.”

He added: “My cancer diagnosis shook me to the core, I was in hospital for six weeks and was very ill during that time.

“With the help and support of my lecturers I came out fighting and in the second year of my studies I was given the all-clear.

“I’m now more focused than ever to chase the career of my dreams. I’m hoping to take the Bar exams as I have dreams of becoming a barrister working in human rights.

“In September I’m getting married, so lots to celebrate this year.”