Former Axminster schoolgirl Elena Brake has launched an online fundraising campaign to help her get back on her feet after being diagnosed with a debilitating genetic disorder.

Elena attends Axe Valley College when she lived in Axminster. Now aged 27, she was working as an art technician at Plymouth Hugh School for Girls when she was admitted to hospital in June with terrifying symptoms.

She was left unable to walk or even stand without help, and said her body has changed beyond recognition after losing a huge amount of weight very suddenly.

She also offend irregular heart rhythm, debilitating visual disturbances and digestive problems.

Elena commented: "I suddenly went from being an active, outgoing person - an artist, art technician at a secondary school in Plymouth and a church bell ringer - to losing my independence completely. I've been in hospital ever since and experienced weeks of intensive tests and trialling various treatments."

Elena was eventual diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder which can cause multiple issues across the body from eyesight and joint stability, which can worsen over time. I

She has also had diagnoses of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, gastric problems, dyspepsia and a REM sleep disorder, while many of my other symptoms are still being investigated.

Elena said: "Whilst it has been reassuring to finally have some answers this has been a lot to process in such a short space of time. To make matters even more complicated, the strain of this crisis has led to the breakdown of a 10 year relationship with my partner which has shattered me and leaves me in an extremely precarious situation. I need your help to get me through the next few months."

Elena has launched a £10,000 fundraising campaign online to ensure she can keep her home and secure her financial stability during this challenging time.

Her recovery will require intensive physiotherapy, specialist equipment, assistive technology, home adaptations, counselling to help deal with the emotional impact of adjusting to a disability.

She commented: "I am extremely determined and strong willed. I'm a problem solver. More than anything I want to climb the spiral staircase to the bell ringing chamber and ring out the church bells again, return to support my fantastic students at Plymouth High School for Girls as their art technician, get back to my art projects and run my watercolour classes again.

"I know life will be different now and I'm ready for this new challenge. I just need your help to get started."

Here's an idea of how your donations could help Elena:

Here's an idea of the ways that your donations would help me out:

£10 would help her to cover an hour of assistance with daily living, care or supervision (like personal assistance, cleaning, transport, preparing meals, collecting medication)

£25 would help her to buy things like mobility aids, assistive equipment or gear for muscle strengthening exercise as recommended by physiotherapists

£50 would pay for a session with a counsellor or specialist MSK Physio to help Elena adapt to and manage her disability

£75 would allow her to make adaptations at home (like installing additional railings, high visibility edging to steps or buy specialist assistive technology/software)

£150 would mean Elena could get custom orthopaedic footwear, specialist ring splints to protect her finger joints, or a weighted blanket to help improve her sleep and decrease anxiety

£500 would mean she could have a month's financial security - all bills covered - and not have to worry about everything else so much.

To donate, visit Elena's GoFundMe web page.