'That's my mummy': Young Leeds mum who gave birth aged 15 graduates from Leeds Trinity University with six-year-old daughter by side

Rachael Campey, 21, graduated yesterday with a degree in counselling psychology - after defying the odds when she was kicked out of school aged 15 when she fell pregnant.

Since then, Rachael has battled her way through seven different education facilities and 'countless jobs' to achieve her dream of graduating alongside her daughter Lily-Rose Campey.

Rachael, speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, said: "I graduated and I felt immensely proud having her there.

"When she heard them shout my name, I heard her shout “that’s my mummy” I felt like everything I had worked through was for her."

Rachael said she was very nervous at the ceremony due to suffering from anxiety.

She said: "I have an overwhelming sense of completion when I got my award, I cried as I could see my daughter and mother in audience and the pride and smiles on their face.

"I have an overwhelming congratulations and pride for me from people I don’t even know, the lecturer that stopped me dropping out in first year made me continue to third year with her first year, it was the first time I ever had anyone believe me and it’s thanks to her I graduated today (doctor Alison Torn) - which is so amazing!"

Rachael said when she fell pregnant at 14 it was the 'end of her education'.

She added: "I set myself the goal of a degree and to actually reach it is unbelievable to me.

"I was told to leave as they couldn’t support me and I was bounced around the education systems since that day till I landed at uni.

"So many doubted me apart from my friends and parents, I didn’t even believe in myself."

Rachael has also been nominated for the inspirational individual at the Yorkshire choice awards.

The Leeds mum is a MindMate Ambassador and speaks publicly on a range of topics/issues.

She believes she will now go into further education to become a counsellor or pursue public speaking full-time.