A TARPORLEY woman is not letting her illness get in the way of her starting up a fashion business.

Sarah Cooper, 32, of Fox bank, Cotebrook, has suffered from the chronic fatigue illness ME for the past 18 years and has spent all her adult life at home being supported by her parents.

In March this year, with the help of In Training, the Cheshire-based support organisation, she decided to try and launch her own business making and selling hand crocheted ladies fashion and accessories.

She said: “Because of my health restrictions it’s not possible for me to have a regular job, so I was advised to become self-employed.”

Sarah admits it has been a challenging and daunting experience.

“The best way to describe my ME is like the flu, a constant tiredness,” she said. “It often means that some days I can act and be like a regular person, but then the next day I can be in bed all day. It also effects me mentally, in that I can’t concentrate.

“Having my own business will allow me to work at my own pace, and around my illness. Over the years numerous people have asked me ‘what do you do?’ and I have always had to reply that I have ME so I don’t do much at all really.

“That’s why I’ve called my business What Sarah Does… because at last I can tell people what I do.”

Sarah has crocheted ever since she was a little girl, and loves making her own clothes. An exhibition of her work will be held at Cotebrook village Hall on Friday, October 30, from 3-9pm.