A BRAVE Bromsgrove woman is bracing herself to have her hair shaved off to raise money to help fellow sufferers of an extremely painful disease.

Lisa Davis, aged 25, of Burcot Lane, began suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in her right leg four years ago, when she was midway through taking a degree in youth work at Gloucestershire University.

She battled through to graduate but has been unable to work since and is now wheelchair bound.

"I have now found myself housebound due to this horrible disease," said Miss Davis.

"I suffer with severe swelling, sensitivity to touch - I can't wear any footwear or trousers on that leg - severe burning pain, pins and needles, stabbing and shooting pains, colour and temperature changes and, worst of all, extensive ulceration from my ankle to knee for two years."

Miss Davis added: "CRPS is a relatively unknown disease, both in the general public and the medical profession.

"It is rated 42 on the McGill Pain scale - above such things as labour and having a digit amputated.

"I have suffered with this disease for four years now and therefore know first hand how debilitating and isolating it can make people."

Miss Davis has found solace through "Burning Nights", a support group for fellow sufferers.

And, as November is CRPS awareness month, she has decided to shave off her shoulder-length hair to raise money for the group.

The head-shave will take place at her home on November 2 - which is "colour the world orange" day for CRPS.

"This year I want to give something back and after a lot of thought I wanted to give up something that is important to me - my crowning glory and a huge part of my identity throughout my life - as a gesture of support," said Miss Davis.

"CRPS may be an invisible illness but I plan to make a visible difference on November 2."

She hopes to raise around £100 and anyone wishing to donate to her effort can do so at gofundme.com/lisasbigshave More information about the condition is available at chronicpaincrps.com.