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Lauren Russell was born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Growing up, she was unaware of the condition. She led an active life, dancing during most of her childhood.

As Lauren grew up, started her career and gave up dancing, she began to notice the effects of the condition.

At first, she used to pass it off, but it got to a point where she couldn't ignore it any more.

Being diagnosed at 25-years-old was a mixture of emotions for Lauren. On the one hand, she was relieved that she knew what was wrong and had a name for it - and that what she was experiencing wasn't all in her head.

On the other hand, it was a lot to take in, the realisation that it was genetic and lifelong, and was going to affect her forever.

The condition affects many different aspects of Lauren's life. Her joints are lax and dislocate easily. Simple jobs like opening the curtains can cause her to dislocate her shoulder.

In addition to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Lauren also has autonomic dysfunction. This means her blood pressure and heart rate don't regulate themselves very well which can cause dizziness and fainting.

(Image: Tess Rushin)

Lauren's condition has affected how she works - she describes how things have gradually deteriorated in the eight years she has been working at a city school.

However, none of this deters her from the passion she has for teaching at Ravenhurst Primary.

Speaking to Headteacher David Swales, he is in no doubt as to how much Lauren has contributed to the school, and how much the pupils benefit from having Miss Russell as a teacher.

He describes the changes as gradual, making adaptations along the way as Lauren's symptoms have progressed. He also needed to be sympathetic to Lauren's needs as coming to terms with the condition wasn't easy.

Somehow, Lauren found the courage to ask for changes to be made after coping with the condition for some time before doing this.

David recognises Lauren as a very strong individual who, in just one day, deals with more than most people could cope with in a lifetime.

A couple of years after the initial diagnosis, due to autonomic dysfunction, Lauren started to faint and collapse. This is when the school introduced the Alert Card system.

Alert Cards are unique to the school, and have been adopted for other uses too, including extreme behaviour difficulties. When an Alert Card is issued, all pupils know they are to stay where they are until the emergency is over.

(Image: Tess Rushin)

Most of the changes that have been made at the school have been at little or no cost, for example changing the homework books to work sheets, so Lauren doesn't have to take a heavy bag filled with books home.

There has also been an arrangement for Lauren to park close to the classroom so that it is easier for her to get in and out of school.

Every year, an Access to Work risk assessment is undertaken to ensure Lauren is still able to carry out her duties.

The key to it all, David says, is flexibility.

There are some things that need a budget, David explains, including changes to structural arrangements, especially as the school was built in 1934.

And, although most things have to come out of the school budget, David is prepared to fight his corner and carry out negotiations even if it's on a match funding basis for the adaptations to be carried out.

The question to ask, David explains, is 'Can this person perform the job of a teacher?' and if the answer is yes, then reasonable adjustments should be made.

"One of the pupils is also in a wheelchair and she really looks up to Lauren," he adds.

"She's the ideal person to have alongside her whilst adjusting to using a wheelchair".

The great thing is, pupils see Lauren in her wheelchair and that's the norm, it's part and parcel of who she is".

"Lauren is a great role model and a fantastic teacher".

What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of genetic connective tissue disorders. According to the NHS, there are several types of EDS that that may share symptoms, including: - An increased range of joint movement (joint hypermobility) - Stretchy skin. - Fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily. "The different types of EDS are caused by faults in certain genes that make connective tissue weaekr. Depending on the type of EDS, the faulty gene may have been inherited from one parent or both parents. Sometimes the faulty gene isn't inherited, but occurs in the person for the first time. EDS can affect people in different ways. for some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling. Some of the rare severe types can be life-threatening. For more information, go the the NHS website

Since coming to terms with the diagnosis, Lauren has taken up dancing again, meeting every Wednesday at Curve Theatre.

She said "It's great to be dancing again, it does make me happy.

It was something that was missing. Dancing is part of my identity."