BRAVE Lyndsay Hamilton beat the odds to survive beyond her teenage years - and now lives life to the full.

But she's got just one wish for 2008 ... to be able to support others with the same debilitating brain disease.

Lyndsay suffers from tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic condition that causes epilepsy, paralysis, blindness, lung problems and learning difficulties.

The 21-year-old, from Pollok in Glasgow, faces daily fits, partial blindness and has tumours on her kidneys.

She also says her behaviour and confidence have been badly affected by the disease.

But despite this she's won medals for sport, studied fashion and landed her first job.

Lyndsay said: "Tuberous sclerosis is rare and sometimes sufferers and their families feel very isolated.

"Getting help, information and understanding from someone who knows what you're going through is really important. There's a support group in England but I'd love to see one starting up in Glasgow. I know I could help others, especially children, cope with the hard times."

Lyndsay, who lives with her parents, has coped with tuberous sclerosis all her life.

The condition, which is usually diagnosed in early childhood, causes benign tumours to grow all over the body, most commonly in the brain.

Many patients become paralysed and most suffer from behaviour and/or learning problems. Almost half have some type of autism.

Lyndsay was diagnosed at the age of two and her parents Carol and Colin were told she was unlikely to live into her teens.

As a child she all but lived in Yorkhill Hospital but thrived at Richmond Park School for youngsters with special needs, where she won medals for running and swimming.

Since leaving school, Lyndsay has done voluntary work with the disabled, studied fashion at Cardonald College and has just started her first job as a shop assistant.

Lyndsay says every day has been a battle "but I'm determined to get on with my life and do what I can to help others".