DEBBIE Chazen was rushed to hospital after collapsing at home five years ago.

She had been to her doctors surgery two days earlier after having a severe headache and feeling disorientated.

Debbie was given medication but continued to feel ill.

She was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital where a haematologist recognised Debbie had signs of rare blood disorder, thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP).

The disorder is believed to affect around 10 people in a million.

In hospital, she suffered four cardiac arrests and a seizure.

Debbie, 50, who lives in Atherton, said: "If you do not get diagnosed for TTP it can be fatal.

"There is no cure for it, all you can hope for it is remission.

"It can affect people who are pregnant and with infections but with others it is not known why they get it.

"Before I collapsed it felt like I had the worst headache possible and felt disorientated.

"A lot of people have never heard of TTP.

"More are getting diagnosed with it every year so the rate may be less rare than we think. If anyone has symptoms they need to see their doctors."

Debbie with her partner Eddie Brereton

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TTP attacks all organs and has been known to cause brain damage.

The main research centre for the disorder in the North West is the The Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

Debbie spent four weeks there after being transferred from Bolton when she became ill. She also relapsed after a year.

In order to raise awareness of TTP, she has organised a fundraising event at The Body Shop in Bolton, where she works, as well as a nearby market stall.

It will take place between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, August 17 when visitors can provide a donation in exchange for a hand massage, mini makeover or skin consultation and a goody bag.

A raffle will also be drawn.

Money raised will go to the TTP Network, which researches the disorder. To donate to Debbie's crowdfunding page click here.