Mark gives his illness a face

A GOOLE man with a genetic condition which he claims was misdiagnosed by doctors has launched an online group to help other sufferers.

Mark Rance, 27, of Jackson Street, suffers from Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome – a genetic and degenerative condition that affects the body's soft tissues.

Although there is no cure for the condition, Mr Rance believes he can help others by giving them vital information that can help improve their quality of life.

He has now launched a group called Loose Limbs on the social networking site Facebook to raise awareness of the condition and reach people across the world.

Members will be able to talk freely about the condition, contact each other and access links to other websites which can help.

He said: "After the Mail highlighted my story, it motivated me to try to carry on to raising awareness.

"Other people commented on the Mail's website who have the condition but are without a diagnosis.

"I think Facebook will be a good place for people to talk and learn more about the condition.

"I feel really strongly about helping other people, although there is no cure, you can limit the damage and delay the situation I have found myself in.

He claims doctors at several hospitals failed to spot the signs of the illness, incorrectly diagnosing several other things, preventing him from getting the life-changing physiotherapy sessions he needed for his condition.

By the time his condition was diagnosed, the damage to Mr Rance's body had already been done and he was unable to undergo physiotherapy which, if started early enough, could have delayed the effects of the condition.