The first operation on Sarah Mole was in 2001

Sarah Mole, 18, from the Cynon Valley, south Wales, underwent her first operation three years ago.

Surgeons removed a piece of tissue the size of a plum from her brain, but her debilitating condition has remained. Sarah, who has passed two A-levels and seven GCSEs, wants to become an accountant when she has recovered.

The attacks started when Sarah was 13, and her father said they left her "exhausted at the end of each day".

After the first operation in 2001, she spent five weeks in intensive care and was in complete paralysis for five days.

She is now waiting for King's College Hospital in London to call her in for the next operation.

She's a very determined and independent girl even though she's had it so tough Ashley Mole, Sarah's father

Her father, Ashley Mole, 43, of Abercwmboi, said: "The consultant believes a small part of the birthmark must still be there and it will be a very complex operation to remove it.

"We have been warned there is no guarantee of success. But we have to do whatever we can so she can live a normal life.

"It's a very unusual condition and the fits can happen at any time - there's no pattern, though they're every day.

"They really take it out of her and she's exhausted by the end of each day. But she still goes out with her friends and has fun - she's not going to let this beat her."

Mr Mole said he was so proud of his daughter for never giving up hope.

"Sarah's braver than me - she never complains or sheds a tear," he said.

"She's going to take a year out but then she wants to go to uni and get a degree.

"She's a very determined and independent girl even though she's had it so tough."