Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

Ann Cummins, FMS survivor, healer, artist and hospital volunteer (June 2007)

Ann Cummins would appear to have had FMS for many years. Like a lot of other people, she was told it was arthritis and would have to live with it. About three years ago she was properly diagnosed with FMS after being referred to a rheumatologist. Since that time, she has made a number of contacts in and around Uckfield who also have FMS.

She is now acutely aware that her symptoms, although bad enough, are nowhere near as bad as any of the other sufferers she is acquainted with, and this she puts down to lifestyle.

Over recent years the weight has gone on, following less exercise and due to the FMS. Having an under-active thyroid didn’t help. This led to an interest in diet and the use of vitamins, finding out that, even before diagnosis, she had been prescribing herself vitamins that she believes have helped combat the worst effects of FMS.

Her interest in medicine and healing led her to spend her whole working life pursuing this predisposition, working in High-Street chemists and later in hospitals in East Sussex, taking a year out to sail on a merchant ship, with her husband Colin, before the children came along. In 1991 she joined the National Federation of Spiritual Healers (N.F.S.H.) training as a Healer Member. From 1993, as a fully qualified Healer Member of the N.F.S.H., she has been plying her calling and is still very active in the field.

After twelve years working in a local hospital on the Medical Ward and although very busy with the spiritual healing, she still finds time to do voluntary work in Uckfield and Crowborough hospitals on a regular basis.

About five years ago she took up painting with the local art group in Uckfield, enjoying the friendship of other club members while learning the intricacies of water-colour and oil painting. She has even sold several works, something she never thought she would ever do. The club, the Uckfield Art Group, gets her out and about, meeting people especially when they hold exhibitions at various times throughout the year, when some of the sales’ proceeds are donated to charity. At an art exhibition held in Uckfield on 2nd June Ann raised local awareness of FMS by distributing leaflets and encouraging donations for the Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex . Well done Anne!

Examples of Ann's art-work. The tiger was painted in oils, the 'pub' is a water-colour