A RARE muscle-weakness illness is failing to dent the determination of a Cononley businesswoman.

Despite suffering from Myasthenia Gravis, Jacqueline Nelson has continued to run a successful hair salon.

And next year she will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the business, Jacquelines.

"I would like to dedicate the success of the business to my endlessly loving mum and dad – who have played a massive part in my success – and also to my daughter Elise," she said.

In the summer, Jacqueline's partner – Martin Beckwith – took part in a sponsored Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for myaware, a charity which supports people diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis.

He completed the gruelling 24-mile trek – which takes in the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – in under six-and-a-half hours, coining-in £915.

A spokesman for myaware said: "Jacqueline was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis when she was just 21.

"Despite this she has continued to run her business and now has many loyal and satisfied customers, many of whom sponsored Martin when he took part in the challenge.

"As well as coping with the illness and running a successful business, Jacqueline also feels extremely lucky and proud to have her daughter – now 24 years old and with a successful career of her own in learning disabilities nursing."

Myasthenia Gravis is characterised by fluctuating, sometimes fatal, muscle weakness.

Simple activities that most people take for granted, such as walking and eating, can become extremely difficult or even impossible.

And many sufferers have to cope with fatigue and the side effects of medications.

There are believed to be between 10,000 and 12,000 adults in the UK with the condition.

"Recent research funded by myaware has resulted in better management of the illness but there is still no cure," said the spokesman.

Visit myaware.org for further information.