Brave Sheffield schoolgirl who suffers from chronic pain gives back to charity

A Sheffield schoolgirl who suffers from a disease which makes her muscles lock up to five times a day is raising cash for a charity that supports her.
Lauren Williams, 13 and Jordan Armstrong, 14 have walked from Shiregreen to Sheffield Cathedral to raise money for HMSA as Lauren suffers from hypermobility syndrome. Picture: Andrew RoeLauren Williams, 13 and Jordan Armstrong, 14 have walked from Shiregreen to Sheffield Cathedral to raise money for HMSA as Lauren suffers from hypermobility syndrome. Picture: Andrew Roe
Lauren Williams, 13 and Jordan Armstrong, 14 have walked from Shiregreen to Sheffield Cathedral to raise money for HMSA as Lauren suffers from hypermobility syndrome. Picture: Andrew Roe

Lauren Williams, aged 13, was diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome four years ago.

The Parkwood Academy pupil suffers from constant pain in her joints, which swell and lock and are prone to dislocating and breaking.

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In an effort to raise money for the Hypermobility Syndromes Association, which has supported her throughout her condition, Lauren walked from her house in Shiregreen to Sheffield Cathedral.

The walk – which is almost four miles in length – could be easy for some but Lauren can usually only walk for up to ten minutes at a time and often has to use a wheelchair. She was joined by best friend Jordan Armstrong, aged 14. The pair both wore onesies for the walk.

Lauren, who raised more than £160, said: “I wanted to thank the charity for all their support. They have given me lots of advice and put me in touch with other people my age who have the condition.

“I’m in quite a lot of pain and you never know what to expect next.”

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Her mother Kerry Williams, aged 40, said: “Lauren wanted to pay the charity back for all the help they have given her. It is an invisible disease, people often can’t tell she is unwell. It does affect her day-to-day life quite badly. I’m so proud of her for doing this.”

n www.hypermobility.org