A PRESTON student, who battles daily with a rare illness, has received a prestigious award for achievement.

Cathy Lee, of Sulby Drive, received the East Preston Community Chest Shield as Achiever of the Year at Millennium House, a Preston College community site in Sulby Grove, Ribbleton.

Hard-working Cathy received the award for her determination and perseverance after overcoming various hurdles caused by her condition to complete a range of courses.

The former supermarket worker suffers from Myotonic Dystrophy -- a hereditary illness that affects one in 8,000 people.

It means Cathy tires easily and lacks motivation. She also has mobility and co-ordination difficulties.

Although the disease started to affect Cathy in her teens she went on to study for a nursing qualification.

But she was unable to fulfil her nursing ambition so Cathy went on to become a wines and spirits advisor at a high street supermarket until she had a daughter ten years ago.

Now unable to work Cathy is determined to keep herself occupied and motivated. At Millennium House she has studied British Sign Language, computing, cookery, arts and crafts and interior design.

Cathy said: "Millennium House gives me the flexibility I need. I live just a street away so I don't have to travel very far. I get very tired quickly so I am always having catnaps in class but then I wake up and carry on. Everyone is very supportive."

Rose Caine, co-ordinator of Millennium House said: "It takes Cathy three times as long as everyone else but she keeps on going. I admire her perseverance. She is determined and never gives up that is why we felt she deserved the award."