Martina Yates sets up support website

Martina Yates with her husband Vincent

Rochdale resident Martina Yates has set up a support website for people suffering from Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS).

The website, called Ondines Support Group, was started by Martina to help people find links to groups and organisations that help people build up a clearer picture of disability.

Martina was born with CCHS but the disorder was undiscovered until Martina was 15 years old.

CCHS is a disorder that affects breathing. People with the disorder take shallow breaths, especially during sleep, resulting in a shortage of oxygen and a build up of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Martina said: “My mother had tried to get my doctors to realise that I had a breathing problem as I used to stop breathing whilst sleeping. My health during childhood was up and down like a yo-yo.

"It was while staying with my mum in her new home in North Wales that I had a heart attack.”

Martina was rushed to Aintree hospital in Liverpool where she was put on life support and not expected to survive. Luckily Martina was seen by a specialist and after she was diagnosed with the condition, Martina was given a facial mask ventilator to wear whilst sleeping.

“I can’t say my life has been easy since being told I have CCHS. I have been told I have a blood clotting problem and hypertension and I have had two strokes which have affected my memory but other than that I am lucky.

“Now I have a loving family, plus I am married to a wonderful man who is always there for me plus two stepsons and a small bunch of friends who are very supportive, so I can truly say I am blessed,” said Martina.

The website includes information regarding CCHS, articles, events and a forum for people to meet and discuss their stories and experiences.

Martina added: “Ultimately we want the website to give advice, friendship, support and hope for the future.”

The website can be found at: http://ondinessupportgroup.org.uk