Teenager Danielle Lunn had several tragic events to deal with while studying for her GCSEs.
The 16-year-old's father suffered a heart attack, her parents split up and her grandma died.
Despite that - and failing all her mock exams - the teenager clinched a bumper set of results, with Bs in triple science, geography, sociology, and dance among them.
She attends Wreake Valley Academy, in Syston, where she will now stay on to study A-Levels.
Danielle said of the tragedies: "It all happened at once. It felt surreal and I almost gave up because there didn't seem like there was much point."
But she picked herself up and became determined to do well.
"During the last term I came in at 6am every morning and I finished until about 5pm studying in the library," she said.
"Next year, I'm studying A-Levels, and I know what I'm capable of."
Danielle's dad, Wayne Lunn, 50, said: "It was like swimming up a hill for her.
"When I had a heart attack, she didn't think I was going to be there.
"Her grandma would have been so proud of her achievements."
Fellow Wreake Valley pupil Celine Matthews, 16, also had a testing time.
Celine has cerebral palsy and had to undergo an operation to strengthen her legs in February. She was unable to attend school following surgery, but had home schooling instead as she recovered.
Celine got As in history and geography, a B in economics and C in triple science.
"I'm quite happy with my results because when I took the exams I was in a lot of pain," she said.
Despite being born with a serious health condition, Aisha Seedat was determined to fulfil her dream of completing GCSEs.
The student at Beauchamp College, Oadby, has a rare form of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), which means she is a full-time wheelchair user and has trouble breathing.
Although the 16-year-old spent the duration of her revision time in and out of hospital, she still managed to gain five GCSEs.
"It's a big relief," said Aisha.
"I've been worrying so much over the past few weeks. A few years back it only seemed like a dream, now it's a reality. I've proved everyone wrong that doubted me."
Aisha is planning to complete A-Levels at the college, before studying social care at university.
"It's my faith that keeps me strong and my family which keeps me going," she added.
Her father, Sharif Seedat, said: "She's overcome so many hurdles. I'm extremely proud of her."
Twins Kathryn and Victoria Van Der Byl, 16, who also study at Beauchamp, were speechless after finding out they had gained 19 A*s between them.
"I can't stop smiling," said Kathryn.
Fellow student Keval Parekh was promised £100 by his parents for every A* he achieved – so when he gained seven, his mum, Vina Parekh, was more than shocked.
"I'm over the moon, although I'm regretting promising him the money now," she said.
"I'm speechless," said Keval.
Robyn Platts, 16, from John Ferneley College, in Melton, was flying high after picking up 10 A* grades - the first pupil to do so in the school's history.
She said: "I was predicted a couple of A*s but nothing like this. It hasn't quite sunk in yet. I worked hard and I missed out on a family holiday to stay at home and revise, so I'm chuffed to bits."
Chloe Smith, 16, from John Cleveland College, in Hinckley, was also over the moon with her four As and four Bs,
She said: "I'm so pleased. I got a bad night's sleep last night and I was at school on the dot of 9am to pick up results."
Thomas Marlow, 16, from Lutterworth College did better than expected, with six A*s and four As.
He said: "It's amazing. I put in a lot of hard work and now it's all been worth it."
Students at Charnwood College, in Loughborough, were also celebrating outstanding results.
High achiever Cerys Hughes, 16, secured eight A*s, two As and a distinction. She is going to stay on at the college and do A-Levels, and wants to become a vet.
Twins Becky and Charlotte Whittle, from Ashby School, have already begun mapping out their careers.
Becky achieved seven Bs and four Cs and will be taking up a place studying BTEC dance at Birmingham Ormiston Academy.
She will be joined by sister Charlotte, who will be studying for a similar qualification in musical theatre.
Becky said: "I worked really hard and am absolutely thrilled.
"We supported each other and did most of our revision together.
"Whenever one of us felt a bit down, we'd gee each other up."
Charlotte's GCSEs included three A*s and two As.
She said: "I was so happy when I found out my results, I don't quite know how I managed it."
To see more stories about Leicester and Leicestershire's GCSE results in 2014, click here.