An inspirational teenager has overcome significant and complex physical and learning disabilities to achieve a GCSE in art.

Bradley Davies, 16, has an undiagnosed genetic condition which severely affects his memory and ability to communicate and learn.

He also has a bone disease which often makes movement or sitting very painful.

Despite these complex problems, Bradley is a talented artist and animator.

Last month Bradley, of Broomfield Close, Chelford, wowed his teachers at Park Lane Special School by achieving a grade D in GCSE.

It was a fantastic moment for his proud parents Siobhan, 51, and Rob, 55.

Rob said: “Bradley getting his GCSE is the equivalent to him graduating from university. We never stopped dreaming that Bradley would achieve, but we have learned to be realistic. This has been an amazing moment for our family. The way Bradley copes with his life is phenomenal. He is very determined.”

Bradley said: “I was really happy to get my GCSE. Art is great because you can draw anything you like. There are no rules.”

It wasn’t until Bradley was seven months old that his parents began to be concerned by his development. At the same time Bradley was diagnosed with kidney disease and needed major corrective surgery.

After 16 years of being tested by neurologists and geneticists, the experts are still unable to pinpoint Bradley’s condition, classifying him as SWAN (Syndrome Without A Name).

Siobhan, who had 20 years’ experience as a nurse working with children with learning disabilities, said: “In all my years working with people with learning disabilities I have never come across anyone like Bradley. He literally is a one off.

“He has no working memory, which makes life very difficult and confusing for him. He struggles to communicate and form sentences. He cannot read or write. But he has pockets of amazing ability particularly in art.”

After struggling in his first mainstream school Bradley thrived at Parklane.

Siobhan said: “When he was young his behaviour was very bad. We have had to work very hard and now he is exceptionally polite. At 6ft 3in tall he really is a gentle giant.”

Although Bradley struggles to write his own name he has always shown a talent with drawing and is rarely seen without a pencil or paintbrush.

He is also very capable with computers and a keen animator with dozens of videos on his own You Tube account.

The Davies family hope by sharing Bradley’s story that it gives hope to others.

Siobhan said: “I’ve seen families disintegrate because a child has disabilities and when you experience it first hand it is heartbreaking. As parents you are warned your child won’t fit into society. We know Bradley will probably not be able to live an independent life, but he has proved that he can achieve like other children.”

Lorraine Warmer, head at Park Lane Special School, said: “Bradley is very imaginative. We are all proud of him.”