AN inspirational schoolgirl suffering from a debilitating condition which has left her in extreme pain and almost entirely bedbound has been presented with the Princess Diana award.

Brave Lucy Watts, 16, who is fed through a tube and struggles to sit up unaided, is also predicted to get a string of top GCSE results.

Lucy, a pupil at King John School in Thundersley, suffers from the rare Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a defect in the body’s collagen which causes chronic pain.

Giving up her favourite hobby of horse riding was among the many major readjustments Lucy’s illness has forced her to make.

She said: “When I first got ill, I lost everything. I was quite angry, but now I look back and laugh.

“I hate what’s been taken away from me, but I don’t hate the person it’s made me become.

“I’m glad I have been through it, because I have a lot more appreciation for the simple things.

“My school work has kept me going, and my tutors have been more than just teachers – they have been more like friends over the past two years.

“I was completely surprised to get the award, but really pleased. It’s given me a boost.”

Tutors from children’s support services, who have been teaching Lucy at her home in Collingwood, Benfleet, nominated her for the award for inspirational young people, after being blown away by how she coped with her condition and the drastic change in her fortunes.

Lucy’s lead tutor Mary Mylott said: “Lucy’s courage, determination and perseverance in the face of so many problems, so much pain and disappointment, have amazed everyone she meets.

“The children’s support service has benefited from knowing and working with Lucy, and we will miss her greatly as she moves on to college next year.

“She’s a bright girl and she’s worked very hard, so we are hoping for good grades. She’s predicted all As.”

Lucy is waiting for results for eight GCSEs, and plans to study A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and applied Science at Seevic College, Thundersley.

After waiting a long time to get a proper diagnosis, she is now seeing specialists who she hopes will be able to help her manage her condition so she is able to get into her wheelchair and travel to lessons.

With her award came an invitation to Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer’s country estate Althorp, for a party with other winners.

Lucy added: “That is something else to aim for. I also want to get to school for results day, because I missed leavers’ day and the prom.”