A Sittingbourne schoolgirl has overcome a life-changing medical diagnosis to forge ahead with career plans and help the charity that was her lifeline.

Fulston Manor pupil Nicole Orgill was told she was suffering from autoimmune liver disease by specialists at King’s College Hospital, London, in April 2013.

But the youngster, who is now 17, refused to allow the devastating news stop her from excelling in school and living her life like a normal teenager.

Despite horrendous symptoms that rendered her unable to attend classes, including exhaustion, complete loss of appetite and a jaundice-like tinge to her skin, Nicole maintained her enthusiasm and positivity.

Now, she has embarked on a number of fundraising ventures to help the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), which provided continuous support to her and her family following the diagnosis.

She said: “I had nearly two years off school but because I look the same – other than being yellow – people didn’t get that I was sick at first.

“I was so scared when I was diagnosed, but then the CLDF immediately supported us and I felt there was much less to worry about.”

The advice the charity offered was invaluable to Nicole’s family, with her mum Kay Orgill saying it got her through one of the toughest times as a parent.

She said: “It was unbelievably terrifying when she was diagnosed – the nurse specialist said, ‘please don’t Google it before we tell you about it’.

“Of course, we did. You just think this can’t be happening to your kid.

“I can call the charity any time I want and they are often at the hospital.

“If there’s anything I need to know I can ring them. They have been amazing with her.”

Chief executive of the Birmingham-based organisation Alison Taylor said: “It was a real privilege to get to know Nicole.

“She is a wonderful ambassador for CLDF, helping to raise awareness of childhood liver disease as well as raising vital funds for our work, for which we’re enormously grateful.”

After achieving five grade As and a B and C for her GCSEs all working from home, Nicole is now back at school in sixth form and hopes eventually to become a policewoman after going to university.

She is also planning to take part in numerous charity events in aid of CLDF after raising £1,800 last year.