A WOMAN who has suffered with a muscular condition since she was a teenager has shaved her head to raise money for the charity which supported her.

Jill Liman, from Sible Hedingham, has Fibromyalgia – a condition that leaves her with muscle pain, fatigue and disturbed sleep.

The condition affects one in 50 people, and Jill wanted to give something back to Fibromyalgia Action, a charity which has constantly offered her support.

The head shave took place at Swan Street Barbers on Remembrance Sunday, and will have raised more than £600 once the final donations are counted.

Although Jill was only diagnosed four years ago, she has felt the symptoms since she was a teenager and has been unable to work for the last three years.

She has also battled cancer in that time, and had a tumour removed from her kidney in 2011.

Jill, 50, was given the all clear three weeks ago and is hoping that is a sign of better things to come.

She said: “It really is above and beyond what I expected to raise initially.

“They do amazing work and have helped me so it is great to give something back.

“They offer advice from other people who have suffered, as well as funding research into the illness and raising awareness of the illness.

“They also try to bring Fibromyalgia into the government’s eyeline. At the moment it is very difficult to claim benefits, or even get a diagnosis to begin with.

“People need to be aware of what effect the illness is and how many people suffer.

“At the moment there is no cure at all, and I think the research is quite limited.”

Since starting her fundraiser, Jill has been inundated with messages from people in the local area who are going through similar troubles.

She added: “I was quite shocked by the amount of people who have messaged me asking for advice or just for a chat.

“I have suggested we all meet for coffee, a bit like a support group.

“I think knowing people and being able to talk to someone who is having a similar experience can be hugely helpful.”

Jill has previously ran Race For Life, although her Fibromyalgia makes that impossible now.

She is planning to do another head shave once it grows back in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Search Jill Liman on www.justgiving.com to donate.