CLACTON’S teenage carnival queen has been nominated for an award for fighting through her health problems to support charities and inspire others.

Thousands of onlookers lining the route of this year’s carnival procession would never know Kerryalice Hartnett struggles with a painful muscle condition.

The 16-year-old, of St Osyth Road West, was born with rare condition hypotonia, which still leaves her in pain every day.

She also suffered from a bowel condition which forced her to spend a lot of time in hospital as a youngster.

Kerryalice discovered a love of the stage when she started school.

But she endured merciless bullying in secondary school due to her conditions, which continued until mum Annette agreed to teach Kerryalice herself at home.

It helped her daughter flourish, and she became a regional speech and drama champion, as well as singing at countless fundraisers to help boost good causes.

Proud mum Annette has nownominated her daughter for an Essex Young People of the Year Award, which recognises inspiring youngsters.

Annette said: “Kerryalice always wants to help others, despite battling illness herself.

“She does not moan or bring to people’s attention her health issues.

“She keeps it to herself and wants to be treated like everybody else. She does not realise what an inspiration she truly is.”

Kerryalice has taken part in fundraisers for local and national charities, including London’s Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, which treats 13-year-old brother Michael for digestive problems.

The musical theatre star also fronted a show in Clacton last year for under-18s, raising cash to help youngsters get involved in the technical side of theatre.

Earlier this month, Kerryalice dazzled crowds as carnival queen, helping to raise thousands of pounds for local good causes.

Kerryalice said: “I still get a lot of pain from both conditions and some days it's worse than others.

“I can wake up and know it’s going to be a bad day. But it makes me feel good when I’m performing.”

She added: “I was really excited about being the carnival queen.

“Having been the princess in 2012, I wanted to be involved again and help raise money for charity.

“That's rewarding and makes me feel good. It boosts my spirit and confidence.”

A special ceremony for the young people of the year awards will be held in London later this year.