The 16-year-old could not sit all of her GCSEs because her cystic fibrosis caused a bleed in her lungs and she had to spend much of her exam time in hospital.

The health crisis came after she suffered two years of worsening health, with her having to keep a portable oxygen tank near to her at all times in case she needed help to breathe.

But she was determined not to let her condition stop her stealing the show at the City of Portsmouth Girls' School prom, and she used the incentive of the big night to spur her on.

Proud mum Pam allowed her daughter to go to town, ordering her dream dress from America and hiring a horse and carriage to take Chelsie and her boyfriend Aaron Smith to the event at Portsmouth's Marriott Hotel.

For one night only she did not take her oxygen, letting her mum look after it instead.

Pam of Burlington Road, North End, Portsmouth, said: 'Seeing her all dressed up with her hair and make-up done was amazing. It was something we had to do for her as I didn't think she'd make it at times. It was more like a wedding than a prom really.

'She was very tired the following day because she overdid it at the prom but she wanted to have as normal a night as possible.'

Chelsie's inspiring story echoes that of Sarah Courtney, who appeared in The News earlier this month after beating meningitis to attend her prom.

Chelsie, a keen dancer is now waiting for her GCSE results. For the ones she missed the exam boards will be looking at her course work and mock exam to work out her grades.

In September she will be going to South Downs College in Waterlooville to do a two-year B-Tech in performing arts and will also have a starring role in a Celebration on Children show at the Kings Theatre, Southsea.

Chelsie said: 'I really enjoyed the prom and it gave me something to aim for. I have to give myself goals so I know I have to stay healthy for a certain date.

'The next one will be starting college and playing Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

'I've had to pull out of some dances because it will be too much for me but as long as i'm healthy enough to play Dorothy i'll be happy.'