A woman who was treated for a rare brainstem cavernoma has organised two fundraising events for the charities which have supported her through the illness.

Sandra Liddell, from Henstead, started raising money and awareness of the Cavernoma Alliance after she was diagnosed in March 2015. A cavernoma is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels on the brain which can cause seizures, headaches, neurological deficits and concentration difficulties.

As part of her road to recovery Mrs Liddell began a fundraising venture, but just days later the cyst started to bleed and she had emergency surgery to remove it.

Although the operation was a success, she is still recovering two years after the surgery.

She said: 'I still have daily struggles with my balance, memory issues, being left with severe nerve pain and fatigue. I also have facial paralysis still and deafness on left hand side and my head is like a mind field, constant pressures and various sounds.

'I continue to be optimistic and have faith and belief to continue facing my daily challenges holding hope one day I will have relief from pain.

'I am a strong lady and hope that I will continue to inspire others going through the same issues, life isn't easy, I know I'm blessed for each day.'

To date, Mrs Liddell has raised more than £11,000 for Cavernoma Alliance UK, and is now holding two further events in support of Headway, Norfolk and Waveney's brain injury charity, which is also helping her on her journey.

The first event is an evening of clairvoyance with Julie Turner at Livingstones pub and restaurant in Kessingland on October 6 at 7.30pm. Tickets, which costs £8 in advance or £10 on the door are available from Mrs Liddell on 07711919520, Amy on 07931099691 or Carolyn on 07832231174. Funds raised will go to Headway.

The next event will be a Christmas craft and pamper fayre at Wrentham Village Hall on Sunday, November 26, from 10am to 3pm, which will support both charities. There will be craft stalls, angel card readings, a tombola, magician and more. Any donations of cakes or tombola prizes will be gratefully received and can be passed on through the numbers above.

For more information visit www.cavernoma.org.uk or www.headway-nw.org.uk