AN 18 YEAR-old Darlington sports star who was struck down by a mystery illness has celebrated after gaining the results she needs for university to research her condition.

Lydia Shale was on her way to becoming a professional footballer representing Darlington and County Durham when she suddenly found herself unable to walk and lying in a hospital bed with a paralysed arm at the age of 14.

Lydia was eventually diagnosed with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder), a condition where the brain struggles to send messages to the muscles.

Lydia said: “I should have been the last person to be ill as I was ridiculously fit and healthy, Instead I was in a hospital bed with no one telling me why – it was mad.

“It’s a life-long condition and for seven months I could not walk.

“My brain scans showed no damage, so no one really knows why this happens. I missed the whole of Year 10 and had to do two years in one for my GCSEs at Wyvern Academy.

“Then, when I came to Carmel College for sixth form I knew I was in the best place to study because I am so passionate about my subjects.”

Lydia gained the highest grades of distinction-star in her Btec subjects of sport and human biology and her maths A-level.

She is set to take a sport and exercise degree at Leeds University and already has four research projects lined up looking into FND.

She added: “There isn’t that much research into the condition, my consultant and specialist physiotherapist were in London and I used to have to catch public transport down there which was very difficult.

“I want to raise awareness and research the causes of FND to help others particularly as it seems to be on the increase because of long-COVID and reactions to the vaccine.”

Carmel College principle Mike Shorten, said: “Lydia is an inspiration to us all. After a year where everyone has had to face challenges Lydia is a great role model. She is focussed, optimistic and determined to help others.”