A GWENT woman who has lived with a debilitating condition since birth is putting her own difficulties to one side to help others.

Amy Watkins, 23, volunteers for two days a week at Ty Nant Ddu resource centre, Pontypool, which provides day care for the community and one day for the Disability Advice Project in Cwmbran on reception.

Ms Watkins was born with cerebral palsy and, despite having to use a wheelchair full-time since the age of six, she makes sure to pack as much in to her daily life as possible.

The Cwmbran resident, who lives with parents Sue and Ian, and sister Germaine, 21, gets out and about with her electric wheelchair, going clubbing, doing a photography course, swimming, going to the cinema with friends and spending time with brothers Andrew, 26, and Ryan, 30.

In 2008, she was presented with a certificate fromPrince Andrew following a six-month placement through Scope at the Intellectual Property Office in Newport.

After studying an essential skills course at Coleg Gwent last year, and working with Mencap to support her in the working world, she is positive she is making a difference.

She said: “At the end of my volunteering day, I feel like I have helped others.

“People say to me I always have a smile on my face and it is important to stay positive.”

Ms Watkins now hopes to put her experience to good use with a part-time job in admin.

● To find out more about the Disability Advice Project call 01633 485865.