Laura Hamilton has opened up on the struggles of being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease.
The A Place in the Sun presenter admitted that she often has to try and hide bruises caused by the illness. She also said that she often "pushes herself too hard" and needs to "try and keep as positive as possible".
Laura posted a video on Instagram where she showed her leg covered in various shades of blue and purple as it was covered in a huge amount of bruises. Speaking to the camera, she said: "So there you go, my legs are currently covered in bruises. I'm fine though although a bit stressed."
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The Channel 4 show host captioned the post, as she wrote: "Sometimes I do push myself a bit too hard and I will hold my hands up and say I've probably been doing that recently with my house build. My ITP has flared up so I want to take this opportunity to try and raise a bit of awareness about this autoimmune disease...
"ITP or Immune thrombocytopenia usually happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. It's quite a common illness that children can have and grow out of but adults can get it too. Just because you have ITP it doesn't mean you can't live a full live, achieving what you want. Three people in my family have auto immune diseases (all different kinds), and we all try to keep as positive as possible."
She added: "It's often easy for me to cover up the bruises I have from my ITP. I am not ashamed of it but my bruising is usually on my legs so it's hidden by my clothes. Auto immune diseases can often be the result of some kind of trauma. If you suffer with ITP or any other auto immune disease my thoughts are with you, STAY STRONG!"
Fans praised her for her "bravery" of opening up on her condition. One user said: "Good of you to post this about yourself Laura I'm sure it will help other people who aren't in a position to do so."
Another user added: "We all have to listen to our bodies. You’re an amazing lady x." Meanwhile, a third said: "So amazing you’re sharing. You’re a great inspiration to many I’m sure."
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