A remarkable self-portrait illustrating the struggles of polio sufferers will be put on display in an exhibition to raise support for the disease.

Eastern Daily Press: Michael Anderson, who suffers from Post Polio Syndrome.Michael Anderson, who suffers from Post Polio Syndrome. (Image: Archant)

The Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle launched the exhibition yesterday, and it will run until November 9 at the Forum in Norwich to support the British Polio Fellowship (BPF).

It will be a chance to see the portrait from circle and fellowship member Michael Anderson, called, Nobody Told Me It Would Come Back.

The painting deals with Mr Anderson's struggle with post-polio syndrome after being diagnosed with polio in 1949 at just two years old. He was paralysed from the neck down and spent time in a negative pressure ventilator, also known as an iron lung, to help him breathe.

Thanks to NHS help, Mr Anderson has lived a mobile life, playing badminton and snooker until his PPS made it impossible to keep up.

The design engineer said: 'I had been thinking of how I could use my portrait to get the message about PPS out there and then it struck me that as a member of one of the oldest art groups in the country, one of our events would be the ideal medium to do it.

'I approached the committee and they kindly agreed to show my painting alongside collection boxes with more information on The British Polio Fellowship.'

Post-polio syndrome is a neurological condition that affects polio survivors, making joints, limbs and muscles very painful, and movement difficult.

There are 120,000 people in Britain who suffer from it, and it is estimated that 80pc of those who have polio will go on to develop the condition.

Mr Anderson has been a life member of the BPF for many years and has used the charity for information, advice and support.

• The exhibition will run from 9am to 6pm. For more details and information on the British Polio Fellowship visit www.britishpolio.org.uk

• Do you have a story? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk