A DANCER who overcame pneumonia and suffers from epilepsy is preparing for the biggest performance of her life.

Ruth Scott, aged 27, is taking part in a show called Big Leaps In House at Birmingham Hippodrome this month - despite spending much of the past two years in hospital.

Miss Scott, who attends Jane Chance's Crescent Dance School in Barbourne, has always been a keen dancer but has had to fight against her illnesses.

She has often taken exams after only attending a couple of lessons, and has amazed examiners with her performances.

On some occasions, she has taught herself dances while lying in her hospital bed, working out routines by playing the music on a CD player.

The Bromsgrove student, who is studying for her A-levels at Kidderminster College, has had epilepsy from an early age, but it has become much worse in recent years.

To make matters worse, she also contracted pneumonia two years ago. After recovering from one bout, she was struck down again. She then suffered a collapsed lung later that year.

On top of this, the drain that was put in place to drain the lung then infected Miss Scott, leading to more time in hospital.

"Every year, I'm in hospital," she said. "I don't go to many lessons because I'm just too poorly to go.

"Last summer, my examiner was shocked that I passed my exams with no practice."

She paid tribute to her dance teacher, Jane Chance, for supporting her through all her problems.

"Jane supports me in every way you can think of," she said. "She visits me in hospital and she never gives me any hassle."

"Ruth's done really well," said the dance teacher. "She tries very hard and she's overcome a lot of difficulties.

"Dancing is her life and she'll do anything to stay involved in it."