A NEWPORT student is hoping to raise £400 for charity over the next few weeks by organising a charity event in the city.

Bethan Williamson, 19, of Broadmead Park, is hoping to collect the total for the Fibromyalgia Association UK charity.

It seeks to alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia, which is also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a long-term condition that causes widespread pain all over a person’s body.

Sufferers also have an increased sensitivity to pain, extreme fatigue, muscle stiffness and difficulty sleeping.

They can also suffer from a problem known as fibro-fog, which can affect memory and concentration.

One of Ms Williamson’s relatives suffers from the condition and she said there is so little awareness amongst the general public that she wanted to increase how much people know about it.

The Coleg Gwent law student said sufferers, who are said to number from two per cent to eight per cent of the population, need relief: “It is a really chronic condition. The whole body is completely demobilised.”

She said she hoped donations will be able to fund more treatment, more research on the causes of fibromyalgia and to provide training for carers. Research into the condition suggests up to 75 per cent of people who suffer from the condition may not have been diagnosed.

Items already donated for an auction that will be held at the event include a stereo, a camera, a selection of toys and a photoshoot and makeover.

It is hoped Newport County will provide a signed shirt and tickets, while Ms Williamson added she is optimistic about getting Manchester United memorabilia to attract more visitors.

The fundraiser will be held at the Newport International Sports Village's cricket club on April 25, 7pm-11pm. You can visit Ms Williamson’s Just Giving page at: justgiving.com/bethan-williamson