Inspirational Burnley teenager back on TV screens in show that has charted her life from birth

An inspirational Burnley teenager was back on the nation's TV  last week in a moving series that has chartered her life from when she was born.
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Emily Speirs was born with spina bifida and has been filmed regularly from birth in a series of programmes called 'Born To Be Different' which centres around five families across the UK and how they cope looking after a child with a disability.

The 19-year-old former student at Blessed Trinity RC College has become used to cameras following her around and also the fact that she is often recognised by people who have watched her grow from a cute baby into a confident young woman.

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The latest 'Born To Be Different' looks like it may be the final segment of the show as the five take their first steps into adulthood, work and university.

The progress of courageous teen Emily Speirs has been watched by millions of TV viewers on the Channel Four show Born To Be Different.The progress of courageous teen Emily Speirs has been watched by millions of TV viewers on the Channel Four show Born To Be Different.
The progress of courageous teen Emily Speirs has been watched by millions of TV viewers on the Channel Four show Born To Be Different.

Originally the show was only meant to be a one off production by Channel Four but viewers took the five and their families to their hearts so much they have run regular updates on their progress every couple of years.

Emily said: "They kept saying 'this will be the last one' but then they would return a couple of years later to start filming."

Capturing the youngsters as babies, toddlers and their progression to school Emily said she had no regrets about taking part in the show adding: "I am glad they continued with it as it shows us as human beings with lives to pursue and not just babies who were born with a disability."

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Emily, who lives with mum Rachael, dad Richard and younger brother Jacob underwent a series of operations to correct her condition which occurs when a baby's spine and spinal cord don't develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.

And while the surgery corrected the spina bifida, she was left her with nerve damage affecting her bowel and bladder.

She underwent two more major operations and had to learn to retrain her bowel and bladder. Throughout 'Born To Be Different' viewers watched in admiration as Emily adapted to her condition and the challenges it brought with it.

As a result of the programme Emily, who attended Christ the King RC Primary School in Burnley, has become firm friends with the others who appeared alongside her as they have met up regularly over the years.

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Viewers watched Emily begin a nursing degree course at UCLan but since filming she has decided to take a year out to consider her future.

She said: "Going to university was physically and mentally challenging and a lot harder than I thought so I have decided to take some time out to really think about my future."

While doing that Emily has got herself a job at Morrison's supermarket in Todmorden where she is often recognised by shoppers.

She said: "After the show people come up to me and say 'Oh I saw you on the TV.'

"They are always really nice and wish me good luck."

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