A FAMILY have spoken out to raise awareness of the effects of a genetic condition which can cause tumours, and learning difficulties.

Sarah Hargreaves, 38, and her daughter Francesca, 11, from Mill Hill, Blackburn, have both been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).

The condition manifests itself in many different ways, some of which include skin changes, facial overgrowth that causes major disfigurement, learning difficulties, and tumours that can lead to NF1-related cancers.

St Peter’s RC School pupil Francesca was diagnosed with the condition aged four after her mum spotted a lump by her collar bone and took her to the doctor.

After fears that it may have been a lymphoma, a type of cancer, she underwent a biopsy which revealed that it was a benign neurofibroma.

As the condition is genetic, and Sarah had symptoms similar to Francesca, she was also tested and was diagnosed with the condition.

Sarah said: “The condition is relatively common, but a lot of people have never heard of it.

“It manifests itself in different ways, but a common symptom is a number of pale, coffee-coloured patches on the skin that look like birth marks.

“Francesca has dyslexia which is related to the NF1, as well as spatial co-ordination and speech problems.

“We both have a number of lumps and marks on our bodies, but we are quite lucky as most of ours are not visible dressed and are only mild. I have had a number of small tumours removed at The Christie hospital, in Manchester, and we both have reg-ular appointments to check for changes.”

Last Thursday was the World’s First Neurofibr-omatosis Type 1 (NF1) Day, which was aimed at raising awareness of the condition.

Sarah said: “Since being diagnosed, it has cleared a lot of things up for me and helped me understand why I struggled with things like reading at school.

“There will be a lot of people in East Lancashire who will have the condition that are unaware of it.

“If you, or your child, has a number of birth marks, or lumps, then it may be a sign of NF1 and it is important that it is checked out by a doctor.”