WIRED up to hospital tubes, losing hair and intermittently vomiting blood, Tasha Corrigan's mother and partner were told to prepare for the worst.
Life-threatening conditions septicaemia and infective endocarditis were putting both her unborn baby's, and her own, life at risk.
Two years after the pair pulled through, however, the 21-year-old, of Laurence Avenue, Witham, is singing in the final of a countywide competition.
"For me this is like winning the lottery," said Tasha.
"This year, after nearly dying, I have realised that you need to take chances to achieve things in life, and you don't ever know what tomorrow holds or even if you will be around tomorrow."
Tasha has suffered from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) since she was eight, meaning she has to cope with intestinal failure, her joints dislocating, a bladder three times the usual size and easily bruising skin.
By her 15th birthday Tasha, who uses crutches, had to leave school due to illness, but could still sing to backing tracks during spells in hospital.
Despite being told it would be near impossible to have children, she gave birth to 5lb 7oz daughter Isabella, now 18 months old, via a Caesarean section in 2012.
Her latest goal is to win a chance to sing at Wembley alongside hip-hop artist Miss Dynamite. A month ago, Tasha, who was rejected by X Factor several years ago, auditioned for the county's lesser known version Factor Essex at a Basildon nightclub. After making it to the final 20, she will perform live every Sunday, until May 4.
"There was one thing that always made me happy, one thing that I could express myself through with minimal pain – and that was music," said Tasha, who played piano as a child.
"I have now got through to the live shows and I'm so excited.
"Hopefully, I will do Essex proud."
