A WOMAN whose life has been blighted by a rare brain condition has battled against the odds by raising money to put on a seminar about its effects.

Iolanda Birmingham has suffered from the debilitating neurological disorder dystonia since 1979 which affects part of the brain which controls movement.

Sufferers can experience severe muscle spasms taking over the whole body, lasting for several hours.

Iolanda, of Blackburn, has raised £5,000 by taking part in several sponsored events and has helped set up two days in Darwen on February 28 and March 1 for discussion of the condition.

The days, which feature expert speakers from across the country, are open not only to carers and sufferers of the disease but also health professionals to increase their understanding.

Iolanda, 48, said: "I must have been seen by around 30 doctors and did not come across one who was familiar with the condition or knew how to treat it. The seminars are as much for them as the carers and sufferers."

Iolanda has suffered from several attacks of dystonia since 1979 and periodically suffers spasms in a particular muscle group or her whole body which can last for 36 hours, incapacitating her.

She said: "The attacks have been very severe. It feels as if your entire body is having a high impact aerobic workout with every muscle working furiously until it gets so bad you need hospital treatment.

"At one stage I'd spent the best part of a year sat in my bedroom in despair."

But after watching a piece on the ITV programme This Morning, Iolanda found a consultant in Newcastle who helps her control the condition through medication.

Over recent months, she has been raising money by organising events such as a sponsored swim in Windemere, a Motown evening and various raffles with prizes donated by local businesses.

Now, with the help of Action for Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education and Research (ADDER), of which Iolanda is an executive member, she has achieved her goal of setting up seminars.

She said: "One doctor once told me that given the number of people in Blackburn and Darwen, there must be another 66 people out there who suffer from dystonia and they may not even realise it. I desperately want as many people to come along on the day. I'd like to get enough people together to form a support group if possible."

The first Symposium on Dystonia on February 28 is aimed at medical professionals and will feature addresses by some of the country's leading experts on the condition which affects movement.

The day after, there are places for around 150 carers and sufferers at two half-day seminars looking at the treatment and genetic implications of dystonia.

Both events are being held at the Astley Bank Hotel, Bolton Road, Darwen, from 9am-4.30pm. Admission is free, but places must be confirmed by contacting ADDER on 01325 332723.