TYPE 1 diabetes proved no obstacle for a talented 11-year-old who sang her way into a national talent competition final.

Phoebe Maddison, of Groundwell West, won two categories in the annual Talent Fest Wales national competition, which is a contest for all people involved in performing arts.

She scooped two trophies for junior musical solo and junior solo for her renditions of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing and On My Own from musical Les Miserables.

She will now go on to the grand finale to be held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on September 28, with prizes including a studio recording session, TV appearance and the chance to make a music video.

She said: “I can’t put it into words, I never thought I would be through, "It’s absolutely amazing because I had this big rush of nerves, which I do think helps, and I didn’t think I would make it through because everyone else was so talented.”

Since Phoebe’s diagnosis with Type 1 one diabetes seven years ago, the 11-year-old has channelled her energies not only into the performing arts but into raising awareness about the condition.

She has already featured on an Emmy award-winning BBC documentary entitled Same But Different, recorded a Christmas single and fundraised for charity Diabetes UK.

“I don’t think about having diabetes I just get on with it and I always have done. It would be a dream to win and I will try my best. I want the competition to be now because I can’t wait,” she said.

“My bucket list would be to find a cure for diabetes and to appear on the West End stage. I will try my best.”

Type 1 diabetes is a life-long condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to be too high. It can damage blood vessels, organs and nerves if left untreated.

As a result Phoebe has a tube that gives her insulin intravenously and also has to check blood sugar levels frequently.

Phoebe’s father Antony said he, mum Michelle and five-year-old brother Harry were delighted with her achievements.

“As parents we’re extremely proud of her and how far she’s come,” he said.

“She’s helped other young children in her situation as a spokesman for the condition and she just gets on with it. Nothing holds her back. She’s promoted it on television and raises awareness of the condition.

“Her dream is to be onstage in the West End and we’re extremely proud of her success. As parents we promised to do all we can to help her realise her dreams.”

And Phoebe, who hopes to be as successful as her idols Jessie J, Adele and Paloma Faith is now looking forward to starting secondary school at Isambard Community school in September.

Antony said: “She knew she wanted to go to a school that placed a great emphasis on the performing arts and she is keen to pursue that in her career so it makes sense for her. She is so excited about going there.”