A WOMAN suffering from a host of medical conditions is fundraising towards life changing equipment for her and her baby.

Former Belfairs High School pupil Tania Dutton, 31, who grew up in Southend, is expecting her first child and is raising cash for new wheelchair equipment to improve her life for the better.

She has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) – a connective tissue disorder that causes chronic pain and fatigue, dislocations and easy bruising as well as other symptoms.

She also suffers with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which causes palpitations, dizziness and breathlessness.

The keen musician and instrumental teacher,who has previously played with Southend Youth Big Band, is fundraising for a SmartDrive.

The power-assisted device attaches to her wheelchair so she will not need to wheel it herself and could leave the house independently.

Since coming off her medication to try for a baby and becoming pregnant, Tania is unable to safely stand up without help and symptoms from her illnesses have worsened.

Because of these difficulties, Tania is unable to safely push her wheelchair on anything other than a flat surface.

Before Tania’s health deteriorated, she ran instrumental lessons in several schools and was training to be a Girl Guide leader. With the help of a SmartDrive, Tania may be able to go back to volunteering and eventually back to work.

Tania said: “I want to be able to give my daughter the best possible life, but I can’t do that if I can’t take her out without help.

“The SmartDrive is an amazing piece of equipment that would finally give me my independence and allow me to be the best mum I can be.” So far £1,300 has been raised towards the equipment which will cost £4,795. To donate, visit gofundme.com/tania-and-babys-power-assist-fund