My Mum has recently touched down in Sydney, Australia to visit me and enjoy a little vacation. 23 years ago my mum was diagnosed with a severe, progressive auto immune disease which goes by the name of Systemic Sclerosis. As I was growing up I witnessed my mum suffering and in excruciating pain because the condition firstly affected her fingers, she had gangrene infections in them which resulted in amputations and fused claw like fingers. As the condition progressed it began to impact everything from blood vessels bursting on her face, her digestive system degrading meaning she had to have a ileostomy bag fitted, iron infusions, being fed by a machine 3 times per week. My mum does regular voluntary work and is always helping others, plus her determination and positive attitude throughout extremely tough times have definitely benefitted me and helped shape me into the man I am today.Mum's Instagram: @positivepaula