A MOTHER who battled a dangerous lung condition has received an award for her determination and resilience.

Writtle College student Karen Hook, who had childhood asthma, was struck down with pulmonary Aspergillosis after being exposed to potentially deadly Aspergillus fungal spores when she was working with bark chips as part of her garden maintenance business.

An X-ray in 2011 showed that her lung had developed a cavity and filled with pus which required a major operation to remove part of her lung, meaning she had to take time off work and from studies for her horticultural degree at the college.

Despite her health issues she graduated with a BSc (Hons) Horticultural in September and is now encouraging other people with weakened immune systems or long term health conditions to wear the correct mask (FFP2 or FFP3) and gloves when moving rotting plant material and working with compost and soil.

has just been honoured with a Worshipful Company of Gardeners Prize after being nominated by her tutors for her determination and hard work.

Karen, 45, said: “I was really surprised to receive the award from the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and only found out on the day of the graduation ceremony; I felt very honoured.”

Her fellow student Jocelyn Rose, was also honoured and given a prize after impressing her tutors and staff with her positive and diligent approach to her studies.

The 24-year-old, from Saffron Walden, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out about my award. “Going to the Worshipful Company of Gardeners dinner was an amazing experience and it has meant a great deal to me to receive such positive feedback on my time at Writtle.”