A BRAVE Suffolk teenager has pledged to make the most of her life despite suffering with the debilitating condition ME.Just two years ago Hannah Gee, 15, was a keen dancer and hockey player, with hopes of becoming a prospective county player.

A BRAVE Suffolk teenager has pledged to make the most of her life despite suffering with the debilitating condition ME.

Just two years ago Hannah Gee, 15, was a keen dancer and hockey player, with hopes of becoming a prospective county player.

Since her diagnosis, Hannah's sporting dreams have been dashed and she has swapped her dancing for singing.

Hannah's symptoms first began to show when she was 13. She fell asleep at school, had no energy and was continually exhausted no matter how much sleep she had. After many tests she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue or ME.

Hannah, of Thomas Crescent, Kesgrave, said: “I have incredible support from my family and friends, but some people who do not know me do not understand the illness and think I'm just tired. It is very frustrating.”

A year ago Hannah could only manage one lesson a day at Northgate High School, but now she is able to attend up to eight lessons a week and has home tutoring twice a week.

“My whole life has had to change and I have changed with it,” Hannah added. “I miss being with my friends, but I can't go out to breaks with them because I'm so sensitive to noise because of the ME. I also get severe exhaustion and severe pains in my joints, dizziness and I have poor short term memory.”

Despite all this Hannah goes to the cinema and shops and is determined to sit her GCSE examinations in the near future, then take her A levels at sixth form, and finally work in the media.

She is also planning to tackle the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award camping and orienteering in Rendlesham Forest.

Hannah said the Association for Young People with ME (AYME) which she contacts online has been like a lifeline for her and her family.

“Not only is it amazing support for me because there are forums where I can chat to others with the condition, but it also offers support for my parents and others who have children with ME,” she added.