A TEENAGER who is an advocate for her rare autoimmune condition recently visited Parliament to share her experiences at a roundtable - with her experiences having the chance to set trailblazing guidelines across health and education conditions.

Evie Prior, 17, had her life transformed at just four years old with a condition that has caused her to wash her hands ‘until they bleed’.

As a youngster, Evie began to to show signs of the paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS).

The condition is supposedly caused by streptococcal bacteria, a common cause of sore throats - which causes a person’s antibodies to attack themselves and inflame the basal ganglia, the part of the brain responsible for movement, behaviour and emotions.

Evie’s battle with PANDAS started after a bout of chicken pox, when she began to exhibit worrying symptoms.

Evie presented with OCD-like symptoms, separation anxiety and temper tantrums, which her mum, Helen, said were out of character for a usually bubbly little girl.

In the years since her diagnosis, the Redbrook teenager admitted that she still struggles, but has managed to turn her pain into power - using her penchant for planning to create a Disney-themed travel business.

Most recently, Evie visited Parliament with the charity PANS PANDAS UK.

During the roundtable event, Evie delivered a presentation to MPs explaining her journey with the condition.

After that other children and young people from the youth board participated in a question and answer session.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the rare illness prior to a pending backbench debate where the impacts of the condition will be debated.

Evie’s contributions to the event have a real chance of impacting people nationwide, with the discussion set to create new clinical guidelines and training for GPs and educational professionals.

Evie said: “Having been through so much and to then be heard at the highest level by MPs in Parliament was truly empowering.

“I hope that speaking up about my experience means that younger children get the help and diagnosis they need quickly.”

Evie’s mum, Helen, added: “Despite everything Evie has faced and continues to overcome every day, she never stops making us proud.

“From speaking in Parliament to launching her own businesses, her determination, resilience and drive are truly inspiring.

“Watching her present to MPs in Parliament was an incredibly proud moment for me as her mum.

“Seeing how far she has come was both emotional and deeply rewarding.”