A remarkable Colchester 10-year-girl was recognised for her bravery at a prestigious national awards ceremony on Monday night, supported by Prince Harry.

Katie Ward has a rare condition which causes short stature, breathing difficulties, and many other serious complications.

She was picked from hundreds of nominations from across the UK to win the Inspirational Child category at the 2017 WellChild Awards in London.

Rapper Stormzy and magician Dynamo were on hand to present the award to Katie at the Royal Lancaster Hotel.

The awards celebrate the courage of children coping with serious illnesses or complex conditions and honour the dedication of professionals who go the extra mile to help sick children and their families.

The awards are run by WellChild, a national charity for seriously ill children.

Katie’s mum Ruth Baker, who nominated her for the WellChild Award, said before the event: “Katie’s strength is that she doesn’t waste her time feeling sorry for herself or wishing she could do things. She gets out there and does them!

“I don’t think Katie realises just how amazing she is. I really hope that winning the WellChild Award will encourage her to continue overcoming the obstacles she faces with such courage and enthusiasm.”

Katie was born with spondeloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDc), a condition which has caused her increasing challenges every year, including losing the ability to move unaided and having to be fed through a tube.

A WellChild spokesman added: “Faced with this Katie continues to find ways of doing activities and getting involved with everything possible in and out of school.

“Described by her teachers as the most cheerful, upbeat member of the class, Katie frequently draws on her keen sense of humour and never considers that things are beyond her. She simply finds ways around them.

“At a recent school outdoor activity trip she tackled every activity she could, including a climbing wall. Katie has even achieved the momentous task of swimming 50 metres unaided in six months despite her paralysis and the need for a snorkel, as she cannot keep her head above water.”