A young Cumbrian woman who has been left virtually bedridden by illness has inspired a prayer chain.

Churches across the county – and others as far away as Alaska – will join in the group prayer this weekend.

Sammy, 26, of Hethersgill, suffers from a combination of serious conditions including Ehlers Danlos syndrome, which affects her joints, mobility and leaves her in constant pain, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which causes extreme fatigue, dizziness and severe digestive problems.

Her health is gradually worsening, leaving her virtually bed bound or relying on a wheelchair to get around.

After battling for better medical care for years, mum Lesley Goodall decided to turn to her faith for help.

After speaking to fellow Christians, she came up with the idea of a prayer chain – where congregations at different churches all pray for the same thing on a chosen day or weekend.

Lesley said they are going to pray for an improvement in Sammy’s health, for enlightenment and for the medical professionals involved in her care, both now and in the future.

The prayer chain will take place tomorrow and Sunday, with more participants signing up every day.

Lesley said word has really spread and she had been astonished by the support they were getting from different faiths both in Cumbria, other parts of the UK and across the world.

She said: “Although we’re Christians and it’s mostly Christians praying, there are also two Buddhist temples praying, and several non-believers sending kind thoughts and healing energy. It’s also not all Church of England.

“We’re attending a Mass at a Catholic church in Carlisle tomorrow and prayers are being said in other Catholic churches.

“We have a church in Barcelona and one in Anchorage, Alaska, joining in. I’m trying to contact others around the world.”

She said just the thought of the prayer chain has given Sammy, who tries her best to stay positive, a real boost.

“Sammy is in a hospital bed at home, which she can only leave for a few minutes each day,” said Lesley.

“All prayers, concern and positive thoughts would be most welcome.”

To find out more about the prayer chain and Sammy’s illnesses visit the Sammy’s Health Fund page on Facebook.