A WIRRAL businesswoman diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease has set up a new charity to help fellow sufferers.

Diane Tremarco, from Oxton, has Sarcoidosis and wanted to make a difference. She set up People in Need’ (PiN) Merseyside, calling upon family and friends to help.

Diane, a graphic designer, said: "We are not raising money for research, We want to help in a more direct way."

Sarcoidosis causes body cells to form into clumps, called granulomas, in the organs of the body, often the lungs and skin. 

Diane continued: "The money will be used to ease day to day isolation, stress, anxiety, and possibly fund alternative medicine.

"PiN could help with hospital transportation costs, maybe connect someone to the outside world via phone or tablet, or maybe even fund a course of massage.

"Small things that mean so much when your life has been turned upside down and you are unable to work as normal."

The charity was launched at The Oxton Bar & Kitchen, Oxton on Monday night.

During the launch there was live, acoustic music from Diane's daughter Jade.

Joining the celebrations were Mayor and Mayoress, councillor Dave and Sue Mitchell, the PiN board of trustees, family, friends and supporters.

The Charity’s board members are Birkenhead-based comedienne and actress Pauline Daniels and Paul Holliday, former manager of the Floral Pavilion theatre in New Brighton.

Also on the board are BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Billy Butler's wife Lesley Butler, Nicky Murphy, Diane Tremarco, Anne Roberts, Jane Williams, musician Gary Murphy and Jac Foster.

Following the success of the launch night there are other events scheduled.

On October 25, the charity hosts an evening of local entertainment "With a little help from our friends" at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton.

Details can be found on the group's website www.pinmerseyside.com 

Tickets are available from The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

There is also the PiN Christmas Party for all the family at Cammell Lairds on Sunday, December 15.

If you would like to offer your support or could help in any way, please contact diane@pinmerseyside.com or visit www.pinmerseyside.com and follow them on Twitter and Facebook