Hornchurch mother’s campaign to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.

A Hornchurch mother whose five year old daughter suffers with juvenile arthritis is hoping to raise awareness of the condition after receiving many challenging comments from the community.

Polly was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was just three years old and lives with the painful condition everyday.

Katrina, her mum, told the Havering Daily: “I’d like to raise awareness of hidden disabilities. At times Polly has a pushchair to go out with as a lot of walking can be painful for her, and we get comments such as-‘why is she not walking? She looks fine to me’, or ‘why is she not at school, she doesn’t look sick to me.’

Polly is under Addenbrook Hospital where she receives regular injections to help her. She has arthritis in her knees, hip, neck and wrist.

“She can play like other children, but then can struggle. She has days that are brilliant for her and then she’s wiped out for a few days. She likes to sit on the floor like children do, but that can be painful for her.

“The charity the JAR Project have been fantastic and very supportive. They send out hope boxes for each child and help parents with advice too.”

Katrina would like to highlight hidden disabilities and raise awareness of them for the many adults and children suffering in our communities.

A big shout out to little Polly who has a big smile on her face despite the many challenges she faces.

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