An athlete diagnosed with the same rare condition as Kerry Katona refuses to let it hold her back and has her sights set on competing at the 2024 Paralympics.<br /><br />Didi Okoh, 20, was diagnosed with primary lymphedema - swelling due to build-up of lymph fluid in the body - at the age 16, while at school. <br /><br />TV personality Kerry Katona recently revealed she suffered from the condition and had even had her 'legs drained'. <br /><br />Now studying law and criminology at the University of Birmingham, West Midlands, Didi has refused to let condition stop her from pursuing her dreams of becoming a professional athlete.<br /><br />Didi, a student, from Chelmsford, Essex, said: "It's opened up so many opportunities with competing in Para-athletic events. <br /><br />"I wouldn't be the person I am today without my leg.<br /><br />"Kerry’s story is very moving and I'm glad she has helped further spread awareness on lymphedema." <br /><br />However the journey to self-acceptance has not been easy, with Didi saying she used to feel "anxious leaving the house" as a teenager. <br /><br />And she still struggles with pain in her affected left leg every day. <br /><br />Didi said: "It's exhausting to say the least - you have to have a strong mentality to deal with it. <br /><br />"I'll wake up and sometimes think I don't want to get out of bed."
