A 17-YEAR-OLD who defied the odds after being told she would never walk has won Young Sportsperson of the Year in the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards.

Robyn Harrison, from Houghton Green, has a number of health problems which remain undiagnosed as they are so rare.

They affect her eye movements, depth perception and cognitive functions.

But, she has not let this hold her back and with help from Runcorn-based charity Stick 'n' Step, she was was able to walk by the age of four.

Not content with walking, the teenager decided to run to raise money for the charity which gave her back her independence.

In 2016, English Half Marathon organisers created a special 5k course for her so she could have her own finish through the Golden Gates in Warrington town centre.

Boundaries were pushed even further the following year as she took on the 10k course, and two months ago she returned, this time using her own personalised frame without the support of family or friends.

Robyn's dad, Lee, said: “Robyn raises money for charity every year and she raises money for Stick 'n' Step which helps children to have an independent life who have a range of different conditions.

"She’s probably raised up to about £30,000 to £40,000 now.

"Next year she’s doing the 10k again with everyone running with her, like a final farewell.

"She’ll move on to different things but this will be her third and last 10k.

Carrie, Robyn's mum, was bursting with pride and said: “We’ve been saying to her all day ‘if you don’t win, that’s alright’, but she doesn’t expect it anyway.

"The fact that she’s even been nominated, that’s what she enjoys.”

Robyn was presented the award by Faisal Rashid, Warrington South MP, who surprised her with the promise of a private tour of the Houses of Parliament and the House of Lords.