A STOURBRIDGE dental nurse and community gardener have teamed up to form a new group for people with thyroid problems.

Lucy McGinty, a 28-year-old dental nurse from Stourbridge, and Jackie Careless, aged 52, from Coseley, a community food growing co-ordinator who run community gardens in South Birmingham, both suffer from thyroid conditions and met through a Facebook group.

Jackie was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid around three to four years ago after pushing her GP for tests; while Lucy was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid and autoimmune condition Graves Disease around three to four years ago.

Both, like many people with thyroid problems, say they have suffered as a result of the condition which has left Lucy needing medication for the rest of her life.

So they decided to form a support group where sufferers can meet people battling the same condition and share information.

Lucy, who had an operation to remove her thyroid to make it underactive two years ago, said: "Jackie and myself, amongst many other sufferers, have a daily struggle.

"Thyroid conditions, as we have both learned, are not discussed very often or in much detail in the media.

"Since our own personal struggles, we feel there is lot of misunderstanding surrounding the condition in the media and indeed from the medical profession themselves.

"For example I've heard people saying 'they wish they could have an overactive thyroid because they can lose weight’ or people saying that 'people shouldn't blame their thyroid because they are overweight’.

“There are many other conditions and illnesses that are caused by thyroid problems - weight gain, severe muscle pain, bone conditions, mental health problems, memory loss and other conditions are also linked such as arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, depression, the list goes on.

"Some people also end up with disfigurements from thyroid eye disease - and because of the lack of understanding many sufferers have problems with employment or with family and friends.

"What we are hoping to do is to raise awareness of thyroid conditions and provide a support network - something that people need when they have these illnesses.

"We have the support of Thyroid UK and will look to provide people with a place to come where they can share their experiences with each other.

"Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided and we will welcome everyone and anyone - new sufferers or long term diagnosed or even friends and families of sufferers who want information and don't know where else to go."

The group’s first meeting will be at Hurst Hill Methodist Church Hall, Hurst Hill, Coseley, on Wednesday January 25 from 7pm until 9.30pm - and if it proves a success it will be held on the last Wednesday of each month and further activities such as fundraising events and talks from professionals will be arranged.

It costs £5 to attend which will be used to cover room costs, order information for members and towards making small donations to Thyroid UK.