THE family of a former Pembrokeshire College student, who has spent the last year of her life in hospital, are fundraising to raise money for research into her condition.

Twenty-three-year-old Amie Baker, from Haverfordwest was diagnosed with Behcet’s disease a little over a year ago.

A rare, chronic disease, Behcet's affects the nervous system, and causes painful ulcers on the mouth and skin, as well as affecting other bodily functions.

After suffering symptoms since she was 18, last September, Amie was admitted to Withybush Hospital, and and has been there ever since.

Now, her family are hoping to raise money to help fund research into the disease, and raise awareness locally.

A fun day will take place at the Johnston Institute, Johnston, this Sunday, September 21, from 10am until 2pm.

With top prizes donated by local businesses such as Blue Lagoon, Folly Farm and Celtic Haven among those on offer in the raffle, plus a cake bake sale, tombola, temporary tattoos, bric a brac, stalls and more, it’s hoped the day will raise plenty of cash for the Behcet’s Syndrome Society – which provides information and support for people with the disease and for those who care for them.

It also promotes and assist with research into the disease, and provides provide financial aid in hardship caused by Behcet’s disease.

Amie’s mum Lynda Baker said the fundraiser was the idea of her 12-year-old granddaughter Alysha Phillips, who earlier this year started selling loom bands to raise money for the charity.

“It was her idea that started all this off,” said Lynda.

So far she has already made £200 by selling them on Facebook and County Show, and her total will be added to the money raised on the day.

Amie’s brother Luke and his wife Jade will also be running a half marathon in Cardiff in October, to raise extra funds.

Lynda said she hoped the money would help researchers find new treatments for the disease, which attacks the immune system, meaning Amie is more susceptible to infection.

“In the last four and a half year years she’s probably spent four of those in hospital,” said Lynda, who visits her daughter every day.

“The nurses are so great to her, they’re like part of the family now.”

“It affects the whole family, as we never make plans, we just live day to day,” she said.
“It’s a horrid disease, if I could take it off her I would.”

But despite spending most of her adult life in hospital, Lynda said her daughter is still positive, and one day hopes to run her own business.

“We just take every day as it comes and hope they find a treatment to keep it under control,” she said.