A SCHOOLGIRL battling a range of health problems has been nominated for an award for her inspirational attitude.

Katie Clamp, a pupil at Pingle School, in Swadlincote, has to take up to 15 tablets a day and often feels ill and tired.

The 13-year-old suffers from an obstructive lung disorder, asthma, eczema and is allergic to a variety of things, including nuts and wheat.

Last year, she was taken to hospital with a soft-tissue infection in her eye but was kept in for two weeks after it was discovered she had MRSA.

Staff at the school, who said Katie's determination and positive attitude never wavered, have nominated her for a Community Champions award.

Katie, of Swadlincote, said: "It's great to be nominated – I'm really pleased the school want to choose me. I really enjoy going to school and I get a lot of support there, as well as from my friends and family."

A year nine pupil, she was born with eczema and developed asthma about two years later.

She started at Pingle School in 2007 but, aged 11, was diagnosed with an obstructive lung disorder, which causes breathlessness.

A dairy intolerance has also left Katie's bones weak, while the infection in her eyes has left her vision slightly impaired.

Pingle pupil support centre manager Rebecca Venda, who nominated Katie, said: "Even though she was in hospital, she still rang the school to say she was missing us.

"Katie was desperate to keep up with her work and she did complete every single piece of work she missed.

"She's always determined not to miss school and she does as many of her lessons as physically possible.

"The reason I'm in awe of her is because she is one of the most bubbly, happy people I know and doesn't let things bother her."

Katie, who has aspirations to become a chef, has helped to set up an after-school fitness club.

She said: "One of my favourite things about going to school is going there in the morning and seeing all the happy faces.

"There's no point in stopping and giving up and I like to look on the positive side."

The Derby Telegraph has teamed up with BBC Radio Derby, Derbyshire Building Society, Derby City Council and Derby County Football Club for the Community Champions awards.

On Sunday, May 16, the 14 winners will be invited to a ceremony at Pride Park Stadium.

Nomination forms can be found at www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/champions or www.bbc.co.uk/derby.

They are also in some copies of the Derby Telegraph, or they can be collected from BBC Radio Derby in St Helen's Street, Derby, and the Derbyshire Building Society.

They should be sent to Caroline Jones, Community Champions, Derby Evening Telegraph, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby DE1 2BH by Friday, April 2.