My mum is now 53 and health started to decline in 2006. I would come home and she would be paralysed with pain. After numerous tests spanning two years doctor's referred my mum to a cancer specialist who then organised for a CT scan which diagnosed Chronic Pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes permanently damaged from inflammation. There's no specific treatment to reduce the inflammation and repair the damage to the pancreas. Treatment mainly focuses on lifestyle changes and medication to relieve the pain. The doctors believe it is caused by high doses of antibiotics prescribed for recurring water infections which started after my birth.

My mum has always been very active and since being diagnosed it has changed her life. Like with many other illnesses she has to take each day as it comes, no two are the same. Which means she is unable to work. She relies on strong pain medication - Fentanyl and Tramadol which causes insomnia and has affected her memory. Without which she would be in permanent pain. She also uses a hot water bottle continuously throughout the day which has severely burnt her stomach.

Due to the Employment Support Allowance (sickness benefit) process like many other people my mum has been refused the benefit and told she is fit to work. Unfortunately she can not work and she cannot claim Job Seekers Allowance either because she declared unfit to work by the doctor.

My mums passion has always been music since she was a child. So she is now trying to build up a CD selling business on eBay which she can do at home when she feels able, pain allowing. My mum wants to work and she wants to contribute and this is the only way we can think of. Myself and my mums friend have been financially supporting my mum but it's been a struggle and we are unable to help by the stock.

Thank you for taking time to listen to my mums story. If you feel this is a good cause we would appreciate any donation.