A SCHOOLGIRL has been hailed for her efforts in raising awareness and funds for children with undiagnosed health conditions.

Sixteen-year-old Jess Smith held an assembly to mark charity SwanUK's Undiagnosed Children's Day at Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School earlier this month.

SwanUK seeks to raise awareness of the 6,000 children a year in the UK who are born without a diagnosis for their genetic conditions.

The Boteler pupil's 10-year-old brother suffers from such a condition which leaves him unable to walk or talk.

Jess said: "In my family I have a younger brother who has an undiagnosed genetic condition – this condition means he cannot walk, talk or barely lift his head up amongst many other complex needs.

"This year's theme for Undiagnosed Children's Day was all about being brave like a lion, and my brother certainly is brave with all he has to go through.

"SwanUK and its Undiagnosed Children's Day help both myself and my family, and I'm very grateful to everyone who raised money on the day to help keep it going."

And the teenager has been praised by her teachers for her fundraising efforts.

Alice Roberts, a graphic designer at Boteler, said: "We are extremely proud of Jess and the work she has done to raise awareness and funds.

"She is an inspiration to the other students, and to the staff."