A TILLICOULTRY woman is set to scale Dumyat in a bid to secure vital support for people suffering from fibromyalgia, following her own diagnosis.

Kelly-Marie Hearsum, who was previously featured in the Advertiser for her fundraising efforts, was diagnosed with the neurological condition last month.

The mother-of-two, who previously supported mental health charities and organised a Christmas hamper appeal in her town last year, is raising money for Fibromyalgia Friends United Scotland.

She said: “Since my diagnosis I haven’t had a real deal of medical support.

“I’ve been left to do my own research on my condition and been left to deal and manage with fibromyalgia.

“With doing my research I have found out there is not enough support out there for people that are suffering.”

However, she found Fibromyalgia Friends United Scotland – run by Alison McCall, who also suffers from the condition.

The not-for-profit organisation supports patients and works with universities across Scotland and further afield to help drive forward research into the condition, which affects the brain and central nervous system.

“I think it is amazing that they are out there”, Kelly-Marie added.

She is keen to raise not just money but awareness for Fibromyalgia Friends United Scotland, all while living with her diagnosis and raising her two children.

The Tillicoultry woman compared the pain that comes with fibromyalgia to “being hit with a brick wall”.

It leaves her with day-long dizziness, widespread pain, headaches, fatigue, brain fog and stiffness in the hands comparable to arthritis.

The climb to Dumyat, set to take place in September, is being sponsored by friends, family and colleagues.

Kelly-Marie will be joined by her sister on the day of the climb and has already beat her original fundraising target of £300.

She said: “I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who supported me.

“I can’t believe how much it has taken off.

“Thank you to my family, especially my sister Emma who’ll be coming on the climb with me, my friends, my boss and colleagues at B&M who have been so supportive through everything.”

There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia and the NHS website suggests antidepressants and painkillers, counselling and exercise programmes as treatment.

Kelly-Marie added: “My aim is to help everybody, people need help and more support so I’m not going to keep quiet and help Fibromyalgia Friends United grow.”

People can visit bit.ly/3juCOdt to support the fundraiser.