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Report by Granada Reports journalist Anna Youssef
A mother who says her chronic illness leaves her not wanting to exist anymore is raising awareness of her condition to give others a better understanding of what life is like.
Clair Jones has Fibromyalgia, an incurable condition which causes chronic pain and triggers fatigue, muscle stiffness and memory loss.
Its exact cause is unknown - Clair s symptoms began as a teenager, but took decades to diagnose.
It s like a burning pain. Like someone sticking hot pokers into you. The pain is to the point where. you don t want to exist - you really don t want to be here anymore.
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Video report by Anna Youssef
One in six people have fertility issues and while most IVF clinics have continued to stay open during this lockdown the impact of the pandemic is still affecting many people s fertility journeys. Access to NHS services can be a postcode lottery resulting in people travelling abroad for treatment- a route that hasn t been possible with travel restrictions.
Natalie Harris from Southport has had five miscarriages in seven years and can no longer conceive naturally. Unsuccessful IVF on the NHS means Natalie and husband Matt s only option now is to pay privately. They had been planning to go abroad for treatment but the pandemic put those plans on pause and they feel powerless. Foreign Office guidance advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.