IT'S been a long road back for Natalie Wilce.

Five years ago, then a sporty 15-year-old student at Dene Magna School in Mitcheldean, Natalie collapsed in front of her classmates while giving a presentation during a language class.

She was rushed to hospital via airlift after teachers acted quickly to resuscitate her and get medical attention.

And after undergoing a six-hour heart surgery when she was diagnosed as having suffered cardiac arrest, she had an ICD - an implantable cardioverter defibrillator - fitted, which now stays in her chest, watching over her heart.

Now 20, Natalie has since passed her GCSEs with flying colours and completed a sports coaching course at Hartpury College.

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