A YOUNG woman suffering from a rare and debilitating condition is appealing for help to raise funds for life-changing equipment.

Laura Bashford, 21, was born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) which often leaves her bed-bound and essentially paralysed due to dislocating joints.

But with the help of a powered wheelchair she will be able to get out and about with friends and enjoy a better quality of life.

"It will make absolutely stacks of difference to my life," said Laura, who lives with her partner in Sedgefield, County Durham.

"The main feature is it's got elevated leg rests.

"My legs lock outwards so there will be support for them and I'll still be able to move around, whereas now I can't.

"I sort of avoid going out at the moment because of that."

EDS is a genetic disorder where the structure of connective tissue is abnormal and for Laura it affects her joints, leading to dislocations and fatigue.

She first experienced symptoms as a toddler when her thumb would lock, and although it "died down" it returned when she was 10 and again in her teens.

"It started going really down hill when I was about 16 and it mainly deteriorated when I was 18," added Laura.

It was at the age of 18 when Laura started suffering from increased pain and gastric symptoms.

Despite trying to tackle the problem with weeks spent in hospital, it was decided that she should be fed through a tube into her abdomen.

She is still forced to make regular trips to the hospital and is left in 'lockdown' as a result of her dislocating knee and hip joints.

And although her symptoms are "steadily getting worse", Laura has set her sights on regaining some of her independence with a power recline wheelchair worth almost £5,000.

Thanks to local donations the former volunteer has already raised £1,500 and is well on her way to target.

"One man came up to me just before Christmas with £200, it's quite overwhelming and especially at that time of year," she added. "This fundraising means a lot to me because it's the difference between me having no quality of life and having a quality of life."

To make a donation visit www.gofundme.com/xg6mdm9d.