A disabled student is fundraising for the school trip of a lifetime – a two-week visit to New York.

Lizzie Williams, 19, was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition also known as brittle bones, and has used a wheelchair all her life.

She first broke both her legs when she was only five months old and has since suffered more than 50 fractures.

The Worthing teenager has also had more than 30 operations, resulting in metal rods in her legs and pins in her spine.

Her school, Worthing College, offers an annual exchange trip to America and, when she saw it advertised, Lizzie knew it was for her.

She said: “I watch films set in New York like ‘Little Manhattan’ and ‘Begin Again’ and get goose bumps. Instead of watching it on the TV or at the cinema, I would love to be able to live that experience myself.”

She said her college had been very supportive, even though she would be the first disabled student to go on the trip, which has been running for more than 20 years.

She said: “They don’t want me to miss out and are doing everything possible to ensure I have just as much of a great time like the others going on the trip.”

However, she needs help to raise the £1,200 for the October trip, and she is concerned she may have to pay extra for health insurance because of her disability.

Lizzie has not let her condition hold her back and is currently studying towards a Sport BTEC. She loves swimming, saying it gives her “strength and independence”.

She thanked those who have donated so far: “This is an amazing opportunity for me to travel across the world, to learn in a different college and to explore different cities.

“I can’t wait to go on this trip and share my adventure with you all.”

To donate to Lizzie’s campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/klc45w or follow her progress on her Twitter account, @lizziewheelz.