A teenager described as a ‘miracle baby’ when she was born says she hopes she can be an inspiration to others as she aims to become a lawyer.

In 1995 the Recorder described how Kirsty Smith, from Harold Hill, was lucky to be alive after being born 13 weeks prematurely and weighing less than 2lbs.

Her mother Mandy, now called Mandy Pointer, gave birth in March, a year to the day after she lost her first child in an ectopic pregnancy which led to the removal of one of her fallopian tubes.

Kirsty was given a small chance of survival by doctors at Rush Green Hospital, and stayed on an incubator for six weeks.

But she defied the doctors and even though she had to be watched closely throughout her childhood, has never had any problems.

And in the past few weeks she has both received her AS Level results, and been nominated for a Jack Petchey Achievement Award.

Her mum Mandy said: “I’m really lucky to have her, she’s a glimmer of hope for people who have premature babies.

“A lot of children have learning difficulties things like that, she’s had nothing.”

Mandy has always told Kirsty about her early weeks, and the 17-year-old hopes her story can inspire others.

The Havering College student told the Recorder after passing her law and psychology exams: “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what the odds are you can always beat them.

“I hope it spurs on other people.

“There’s hope for people whatever you’ve been through, you can go on and make a success of your life.”

After she found out she was nominated for a Jack Petchey Achievement Award, she said: “I am really proud and honoured to be nominated.”