A motivational speaker from Croydon who recovered after spending a month in a coma has been recognised in Parliament with an award.

Marain Adejokun, 26, had a severe allergic reaction to over the counter eye drops which caused her skin to melt off her face.

She was diagnosed with Steven's Johnson syndrome, a life-threatening condition which causes the top layer of skin to die and shed.

Since her recovery, she has attended university, become a motivational speaker and started a youth charity.

She was recognised earlier this month at the Baton Awards, which celebrate BAME women of the past, present and future, taking place at the houses of parliament.

Responding to her 'against all odds' award, Ms Adejokun said: "I see my story as a positive one because I believe this will inspire a lot of youths out there to be grateful for what they have and more so to fulfil their purpose in life and be a blessing to someone else.

"My motto is 'believe in yourself and follow your dreams.'"

The evening was introduced by Lord Scarisbrick CBE and hosted by BAME newsreader pioneers Sky’s Gillian Joseph and broadcaster Charlene White.

The Baton Awards 2018 was designed to inspire BAME women, by celebrating pioneers and innovators, and to actively activate change at a grassroots level. Winners received their Baton Award 2018, from one of the pioneering predecessors in the field they succeeded in.

In 2011, Ms Adejokun spent more than three weeks in intensive care at the Royal London Hospital where baffled doctors diagnosed her with life-threatening medical condition .

She has since been interviewed by the BBC, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and ITV News. She has also met and shared her story with Martin Luther King Junior's family.

The event raised more than £1800 for children’s Domestic Abuse charity strength with in me foundation (S.W.I.M) 1165152; a non-profit organization, providing comprehensive intervention in response to the prevalence of domestic abuse among young girls and women.