A WOMAN who suffers with uncontrollable bleeding is working with a specialist at Royal Preston Hospital to set up a support group.

Shirley Newsham, from Lostock Hall, has suffered with a genetic bleeding disorder since she was a child.

It causes the 49-year-old to bleed from her nose and tongue for up to two hours for no apparent reason.

Despite skin grafts and laser treatment, doctors have been unable to rectify the Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia condition which has also inflicted her postman brother Leonard and uncle Leonard Marsden.

Weekly iron injections help keep Shirley's energy levels up, but she has been told there is no known cure.

Now she is working with a specialist at Royal Preston Hospital to encourage other sufferers to come forward.

"There's a support group in London but it's too expensive to get there. It would be so much better if we had one in Preston," Shirley said.

Shirley's condition means she finds it difficult to work as she never knows when a nose-bleed may strike.

A spokesman at Royal Preston Hospital said: "Shirley's a very brave woman, helping to raise the profile of patients with this condition. A self help group would be hugely beneficial, providing a forum for them to share their experiences."

If you are a sufferer of Shirley's condition or know someone who might be interested in finding out more contact Shirley on 01772-330082.