A FRAIL child who won an award for her courage died after suffering an epiletic fit at a special school, an inquest heard.

Courtney Monica Allen, 11, was born with a condition meaning she had to have both kidneys removed soon after birth.

Her grandmother Carmen Allen told the Blackburn inquest that Courtney had two kidney transplants because her first one failed and she also suffered a stroke at an early age.

Courtney had received the McDonald's Child of Achievement Award for the way she coped with her illness.

Her mother Deborah Allen said she was a joy to the family and gave a real example of how to live.

Paediatric pathologist Melanie Newbold said that on October 14 , while at Crowthorne School, Edgworth, Courtney had suffered a fit and collapsed.

She was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, but could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 3.50pm. She said Courtney's illness made her prone to epiletic fits and that her frail condition meant she would be extremely vulnerable while she was having a fit.

Coroner Andre Rebello recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

He described Courtney as a very brave young lady, who had achieved more in her difficult life than many people ever did.

Her family, from Manchester, had chosen to send Courtney to Crowthorne School after a lengthy search to find somewhere that would be able to cope with her problems.

Her grandmother said that the last three years had been the best years of Courtney's life and that she had started to excel in everything she did, including gaining her 25 metre swimming award in July this year.

She said she was a "jolly, lovely little girl" who loved singing.

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