INSPIRATIONAL Jessica Taylor has won an award for refusing to let her disabilities hold her back.

Jessica, nine, won the title, Child of Courage, in the Pride of Essex awards.

She was born 13 weeks early and has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Jessica was six before she took her first independent steps and needs to breathe purified oxygen through a nasal tube via an oxygen cylinder she pulls along in an adapted child’s suitcase.

In the face of so many challenges, Jessica has achieved more than many able-bodied youngsters of her age.

Last year, she completed a onemile sponsored walk to raise money for the Gazette-backed 100,000 Smiles appeal to create a new playground at Lexden Springs School, Colchester.

The walk took her two-and-a half hours and she had to rest on her Trunki case whenever she got tired.

Jessica also climbed from the summit station to the top of Mount Snowdon, a total of 96 steps, with foster mum Carolyn Carey carrying her oxygen cylinder.

Earlier this year, Jessica and her sister, Bethany, also won recognition in the Cerebra Children’s Awards.

Jessica was honoured for her determination and Bethany for her love and care for her little sister.

Jessica was been nominated for a Pride of Essex award by Bethany, ten, a pupil at St Andrew's Primary School in Marks Tey.

Carolyn, from Copford, said: “Bethany was proud of Jessica as she went forward to receive her award.

“I was proud of both of them, because without Bethany's thoughtfulness in wanting to nominate Jess, it wouldnt have happened.

“Jessica is a determined and strong-willed girl, who sets her sights on what she wants to do and just goes for it. She is my little star.

“Bethany has become so caring and supportive of her sister and she is really proud of her.

“They mean the world to me.”