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A Crohn's sufferer mum-of-five has spoken out about her daily struggle to be a 'good mother' to her children after being denied benefits despite her illness.

Anmarie Williams' condition has left her incontinent, vomiting and in constant pain and has been hospitalised for weeks on end.

She struggles to look after her children and simple tasks like changing a nappy and doing the school run have become an ordeal.

And heartbreakingly it has made the 34-year-old question whether she's a "good enough" mum.

After being signed off by her GP following invasive surgery to try and help her condition, Anmarie approached the DWP to claim the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Following an assessment she was shocked to be told she was fit.

(Image: Anmarie Williams)

The former shop worker, who says she can "barely cope" and now suffers from depression, told Mirror Online: "I've worked everyday and I only stopped because I physically could not work any more.

"My doctor told me I'm not fit to go back to work - but they gave me a totally different answer.

"I've paid into the system for 17 years and when you need help they are not there for you."

She says she has been left unable to work and would struggle to care for her children if her own mum hadn't stepped in to help.

She said: "Everyday is a struggle, I have to take morphine based tablets because of the severe abdominal pain I am in.

"I can't control when I need to go to the toilet, it is like I am incontinent.

"I am constantly dizzy and lightheaded and even going from one room to another is a struggle.

(Image: Anmarie Williams)

"I struggle with getting dressed, and doing lots of things around the house.

"I am just lucky two of my children are older and can do things for themselves and are able to help around the house.

"But basic things like changing my son's nappy are a real problem I can't chase around after him."

After being told she would not be receiving PIP she ended up back in hospital for three weeks.

What is Crohn's disease? The signs and symptoms Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the digestive system's lining - from the mouth to the back passage - and is a long-term condition. The exact cause of the disease is not known, but factors can include genetics, immune system problems, previous infections, smoking and environmental factors. There is no cure. Common symptoms can include: Diarrhoea

Abdominal pain

Fatigue

Unintended weight loss

Blood and mucus in faeces About 115,000 people in the UK currently have the condition.

That most recent episode of the bowel based illness has left her feeding through a tube in her nose.

After having been forced to give up work because of her pain, she says she faces the cost of dealing with Crohn's without any extra help.

"I'm having to life off just sick pay from my work, I am struggling to pay my rent and just look after the basics.

"My partner and I are cutting back where we can - shopping to a tight budget - but some things like making sure the kids are ready for school don't go away."

(Image: Anmarie Williams)

"Because mentally it feels like I am not good enough as a mother.

"People look at you in the street, I don't leave the house without wearing a scarf, and it really gets into your head.

"I didn't want to give up work, but in the run up to my surgery I had to give it up because it just became too difficult."

The mum-of five says that one rejection came while she was still recovering from surgery on her intestines.

She said: "It was to ease the symptoms, but it has already come back.

"My assessment was just four weeks after my surgery, which had a 12 week recovery time, and I scored 0 on one part of the test.

What is the Personal Independence Payment? The benefit is for people of working age, i.e. those aged between 16 and 64. They need to show they have a condition or disability, and that this causes difficulties with the demands of daily life. The maximum they can claim a year is £7,267 - but it could make it much easier for you to live independently. It is designed for long-term problems. This means that if the person has had this problem for at least 3 months and expects to suffer for at least another 9 months (unless you’re terminally ill). If the Government decides you’re eligible for a Personal Independence Payment, you can expect financial support every four weeks. The standard daily living allowance is £55.10 a week, although it can go up to £82.30 a week. If you have trouble moving around, you’ll also get a mobility payment. This is usually £21.80 a week but can go up to £57.45 a week. The maximum you can get is £139.75 a week.

"Which they told me means there was nothing wrong with me and I could do anything.

"They said I had reduced mobility but I wasn't eligible for PIP.

"I'd already had to send my children to live with my mum for weeks and was in agony everyday.

"Since then I've been back in hospital, and I have to take painkillers everyday to deal with stomach pain that the doctors have said will never go away.

(Image: PA)

"It is just so cruel - I'm asking for help.

"My mum and my partner are helping out with everything they can, but sometime we need childcare help.

"I can't go out without knowing where the toilets are, I can't eat, I can bend over or do basic tasks around the help and everyday tasks are just so hard.

"I can barely cope and they have tried to tell me I am physically fit - it just isn't right."

Anmarie has been told that since she now has a feeding tube she can reapply for PIP, but says she'll struggle to make it though financially.

"All in all it took 15 weeks last time - all that time I'll be struggling to keep a roof over my head," she said.

"I am suffering from serious depression because of this and I've had to start taking antidepressants - it is just so hard."

In a statement a spokesperson for the DWP said : “We introduced PIP to replace the outdated DLA system.

"PIP is a better benefit which takes a much wider look at the way an individual’s health condition or disability impacts them on a daily basis, and is tailored to suit each individual’s needs.

“Decisions for PIP are made after careful consideration of all the evidence provided by the claimant, including supporting evidence from their GP or medical specialist.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease (or even you’ve had Crohn’s for some time) you may be feeling uncertain about what it is and the potential impact it may have on your life. Visit crohnsandcolitis.org.uk for help and advice.