A HEALTH coach who suffers from MS has offered help to those suffering from chronic illnesses under lockdown.

Andrea Thomas was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her early 20s and was left temporarily paralysed and blind.

After learning to manage her illness, Andrea, who is now 47, decided to become a health and mindset coach and moved to Northwich from Wales.

And being based at Rosebank Wellbeing Centre, she is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those suffering from similar chronic conditions.

Recalling the time surrounding her diagnosis, the mum of two said: “It began with a sensation of pins and needles in my feet, and within three weeks I was paralysed.

“I slowly began to recover, but with MS you have good days and bad days.

“Chronic illness can drain you of energy and suck the life out of you, but it is important to understand what’s happening within your body and to develop the tools to help yourself.

“Becoming a health coach never crossed my mind back then, as when you get a diagnosis like mine, you try and forget about it.

“I worked in the travel industry for 20 years until I was made redundant around three years ago, and then my mother-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“I was in limbo and decided to do something different, putting all of my skills together and training to become a health coach.”

With anxiety being high because of coronavirus and the current lockdown, Andrea has offered advice to those suffering with chronic illnesses, with stress being a key factor in increasing pain levels.

She has developed a free five-day plan aimed at helping sufferers regain energy and vitality, take control of their condition and develop a resilient mindset through better lifestyle choices.

“Living day to day with a serious chronic health condition is stressful enough in so many ways, but in light of the lockdown, it’s so much worse as you feel even more vulnerable and isolated,” she added.

“The one thing you can control is your mindset, and I aim to give people the tools to be more resilient.

“This is a process which considers everything from the food they eat to the amount of sleep they have and how stress has an impact on their nervous system.

“My hope is that other people in chronic pain can see me and know that it is possible to come through it.

“I don’t want them to let anything hold them back for over 20 years like I did, because now is time to live your best life.”

To see the five day plan, search for 'Andrea Thomas Health and Mindset Coach' on Facebook.

Anyone with chronic pain problems who would like to kickstart their health can also visit andreathomascoaching.com, email info@andreathomascoaching.com or call 07912 687516.