A CHARITY fun day is being held in Hampshire tomorrow to fund research into a devastating disease.

Sarcoidosis is thought to be caused by something in the environment that makes someone’s immune system attack healthy parts of their body.

Symptoms can include breathlessness, swollen lymph glands and painful joints.

The disease mostly affects people in their 30s and 40s and is thought to affect one in every 10,000 people in the UK.

The fun day is being organised by Vicki Marsh, 33, of Totton, and her 15-year-old daughter, Jessica Cox.

Jessica’s aunt, Tammie Frake, 32, of Somerset, suffers from sarcoidosis but hopes to be well enough to attend.

Jessica said: “The disease has turned simple tasks such as breathing into a fight.

“Our family has decided to hold a charity event to raise money for Sila, a sarcoidosis awareness and research charity, in the hope that our efforts will go some way towards helping others with the same condition.”

The event, at the Saxon pub in Calmore Drive, Totton, from 1pm, will include a charity darts contest.

Jessica added: “My mum will also be taking part in a sponsored head shave with all hair being donated to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children suffering from cancer.

“We want to raise awareness about sarcoidosis and the devastating effect it can have on people’s lives.”