A BRADBOURNE student has overcome adversity to be named the best engineering student at Cambridge University — culminating in a job offer from manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce.
Camilla Winfield, 23, recently gained a firstclass masters degree from Trinity Hall College in manufacturing engineering, won an award for being the best engineering student in her year and claimed the prestigious Alan Bateman Scholarship prize.
This was all achieved while her father was being treated for cancer, which included operations to remove a kidney, sphincter gland, prostate gland and parts of his intestine.
Camilla also lost her grandfather 18 months ago.
As result of her family circumstances, Camilla was granted special permission to study at home.
Now Camilla has been given a job by Derbybased Rolls-Royce, which offered her a position in September — before she had even completed her studies.
Proud grandmother Ruth Pratt, from Rodsley, said it was ‘a special” achievement’.
She told the News Telegraph: “Camilla worked very hard for her degree, and to be named best in her year, and win the Alan Bateman prize is a great achievement.
“We’re very, very proud of her, particularly as for a time she had to study at home, when her dad was recovering from cancer.
“My husband died 18 months ago too, so Camilla and the family have been through a lot.
“What she has achieved with everything that’s gone on is so special.”
Camilla will be following in some giant family footsteps — her grandfather, Jack, founded Nottingham-based lighting company Abacus in 1958.
Mrs Pratt said: “Camilla will be the third generation of engineers in the family.
“Jack founded Abacus, which has gone on to become one of the world’s most successful lighting companies, and he would be particularly proud of what’s she has achieved.
“Camilla first got interested in engineering when she used to visit and watch Jack in his workshop.
“Now she has the opportunity to work with one of the world’s best engineering companies.”
Starting in September, Miss Winfield will be based at Rolls-Royce in Derby, but she will work for the company overseas in six months’ time.
