A RUGBY giant, who made herself ill trying to blend in, urged schoolchildren to celebrate their unique differences as they strive to succeed in life.

Twenty-four times capped England rugby prop Katy Storie helped children at West Park Academy, in Darlington, to tackle their futures by identifying their dreams in an Olympic legacy initiative designed to inspire the nation’s youth.

Katy was once arguably the best tight-head prop in the world thanks to her size, strength and courage.

She helped England ladies win four consecutive Six Nations titles, three European Championships and reach the final of the World Cup.

But she told 60 students how she had struggled with her size as a child and had developed an eating disorder trying to slim down to blend in.

She said: “I used to be made to do ballet and cried every time I wore my outfit.

“My grandma said I looked like a baby elephant. I ended up dieting to the point where I made myself ill for about 18 months. I was out of control, miserable and ill.

“My mum saved me by taking me to a weight-lifting class and from that moment it changed my life; from the second I picked up my first weight the eating illness stopped.”

As well as giving an inspirational talk she worked in the classroom helping students design their individual dream folders, identifying their aspirations and setting their goals for the future.

She told them how she managed to secure a scholarship at a girls’ independent school in London and was invited to friends homes – but she was too embarrassed to invite them back to her council flat.

“Then I found weightlifting, travelled the world, broke records and won medals by just being me,” she said.

“It proves that what makes you different is what makes you special - wouldn’t the world be a boring place if we were all the same?"