AN AWARD-winning local charity has been hit hard by the nationwide credit crunch, supporters say.
The Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex, established in founder Jo Fisher's home in Broadbridge Heath, moved to Horsham offices in January.
However, secretary Janet Boniface told the County Times that they have had trouble getting funding this year.
Part of the problem is down to new criteria set out by some of the charitable trusts which have supported them in the past.
"Fibromyalgia won't go away, so the need for this group will continue," said Janet.
"In order to be able to develop the group's services as we had hoped, we need to find other means of raising money.
"During Fibromyalgia Awareness Week (September 8-15), please spare a thought for those who suffer from this debilitating condition and also the Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex who has worked so hard for the past five years to provide support and information to members and medical professionals."
As part of this year's activities, FMA UK medical advisory board member Ernest Choy and FMA UK trustee Janet Horton were featured on BBC Radio Four's Woman's Hour on Monday morning.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain and fatigue disorder, which can badly affect sufferers' work and social life.
Jo, who had to give up nursing training after she developed the condition, founded the support group to help sufferers to get mutual support and share information about ways to cope with it.
The group is based in purpose built offices behind the Drill Hall in Denne Road.
For more information visit www.fibromyalgia-south.com or contact the helpline on (01403) 255450.
Click here to read fibromyalgia sufferer Janet Boniface's story.
Click here to see report on Mid Sussex Times web site.
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