Pride of Guernsey: Cayleigh Bishop

RESILIENCE and determination in the face of despair defines overcoming adversity. It also happens to define a young Guernseywoman, Cayleigh Bishop. She has been put forward for the Close Finance-sponsored Overcoming Adversity Award.

RESILIENCE and determination in the face of despair defines overcoming adversity. It also happens to define a young Guernseywoman, Cayleigh Bishop.

She has been put forward for the Close Finance-sponsored Overcoming Adversity Award.

Cayleigh is 15 and until last year lived a life like any teenager on the island, with her mum, stepdad and baby sister, until tragedy struck and she had to be stronger than most people could ever imagine being.

In January 2018, Cayleigh’s mum tragically passed away, soon afterwards she found her stepdad collapsed and despite Cayleigh’s best efforts she was unable to save him and he too passed away early last year.

Struggling with shock and grief, Cayleigh had to deal with the loss of her baby sister because it was decided for her to be adopted outside of the family.

Cayleigh is now living with her grandparents, Denise and Geoff Bishop, she has returned to school, finished her GCSEs and is off to college to pursue a career in helping others who too have suffered traumatic experiences.

‘Despite all of the adversity she has had to face,’ said Denise, ‘She is so strong and assertive and she has had to deal with so much at such a young age. Cayleigh has become a considerate, kind, strong and very capable young lady – this is why she completely and utterly deserves to be nominated for this award.’