SHE has spent the last eight years rebuilding her life after sustaining a serious brain injury – now she has been honoured with a national award.

Christina Corp was involved in a life-changing road crash, which led to her having to relearn the most basic skills, including walking and talking.

She also lost all her memories.

But the 25-year-old has gone on to live on her own and help others with disabilities.

Now she has been presented with the Achiever of the Year award at an annual event for brain injury charity Headway.

Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell, the vice president of Headway, gave Christina, from Stubbington, near Fareham, the award in London.

Eight years ago, Christina was involved in a road traffic collision that took the life of her close friend Vicky Waters and left her in a 13-week coma.

Christina’s parents were told it was unlikely she would survive and if she did, she would be severely disabled and entirely dependent on 24-hour care in a nursing home.

After waking from her coma, Christina spent the next 18 months in hospital and a rehabilitation centre before finally returning home to be cared for by her parents.

All her memories of her childhood and up until the accident had been erased.

But with help from Headway, which supports those affected by brain injury, she has defied doctors’ predictions.

In addition to now living on her own, Christina has returned to college and completed a three-year Health and Social Care course, despite having no visual memory and having to relearn her study skills.

She also volunteers in the Headway charity shop in Fareham.

Christina has shared her personal experience of brain injury to raise awareness and encourage others and she regularly gives talks to further increase the public’s knowledge and understanding of brain injury.

Christina said: “It is hard not having memories and it does make me sad that I can’t remember my school and college life.

“But I was determined to prove the doctors wrong – and I think I’ve done that.

“Winning this award is just amazing. It has been eight years since my accident and I have done so much so it is brilliant that it has been recognised.

“My friends and family are so proud and have all been congratulating me.”

Headway chief executive Peter McCabe said: “Christina is an incredible young woman.

“She has shown tremendous strength, courage and determination to rebuild her life following her accident, and her recovery is inspirational.”

The Headway Annual Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of people with brain injuries and those working to support them.