A TALENTED teenager is hoping to inspire a new generation of students after acing her exams, despite illness preventing her attending school full-time.

Priory Academy LSST pupil Hannah Wilson was celebrating after she passed 12 GCSEs, including psychology, maths and child development, with six A*s and six As.

But the 16-year-old, of North Hykeham, was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in April 2007, which threatened to severely hamper her progress.

The illness, also known as myalgic encephalopathy (ME), can cause severe tiredness that does not improve after rest.

At its worst, Hannah was only able to attend one or two lessons a week and, on average, her school day decreased to four hours.

But the teenager, who starts studying for five A-levels next Tuesday, said she was thankful for the huge amount of support she received during the last few years.

Hannah said this included her occupational therapist Lynsey Woodman and her teachers at the school, who planned a way to help her through her studies.

She said: "It got worse before it got better and I had to attend school part-time and drop three subjects.

"My occupational therapist, Lynsey Woodman, and the whole team were really good. They helped me manage my time well. I was able to do school work but also have fun.

"I was attending school part-time, but the teachers were always checking up on me."

Hannah says she is aiming to continue studying at university, with potential careers including psychology, midwifery or health and social care.

The New Life Lincoln churchgoer, who lives with her mum Dawn, dad Daren and younger brother Samuel, said fellow members from the church has also provided a wealth of help.

Hannah added: "Everybody has been really supportive. I think you realise who your friends are in both good ways and bad."

Proud mum Dawn Wilson said: "Over the past three-and-a-half years with the ME, it's not always been easy for Hannah to get into school. She has missed a lot of school but because she is motivated, she has done so well."

Head of Year 12 at the Priory Academy LSST, Debbie Collett, said Hannah's grades were a credit to her hard work and determination.

She said: "By working with Hannah and offering support alongside the outside agency's, combined with Hannah's own determined and hard-working approach, has produced a set of GCSE results she should feel incredibly pleased with.

"We are now, of course, preparing for next year for the new challenges of A-levels and look forward to supporting and mentoring Hannah alongside our other A-level students and hope we will see a bright future for her."