A MUM-OF-THREE’S fight to get lifesaving treatment for her Lyme Disease has received a big boost from friends, fundraisers – and a school in Poland.

Joanne Baskett’s health has deteriorated for decades because of the untreated illness, which has left her bed-bound for most of the day and in constant agony.

The 44-year-old from Park South has suffered from co-infections, cancerous HPV lesions and failing organs since her mid-20s.

Her friends rallied round her to fundraise for a £26,000 Infusio stem cell therapy program which would restore her immune system and combat the debilitating effects of the disease.

One close pal, Sadik Ouenzar, told her schoolteacher friend Monika Mikulska in Poland about Joanne’s plight, and now the pupils at the school want to host bake sales and make jewellery to fundraiser for her.

Joanne said: “It’s been a crazy but absolutely amazing week which has showed me that there is real hope and there still are good people out there.

"Christmas has come early for me, this has restored my faith in humanity.

"I can't believe the response I've had from the Polish school, the teacher is a beautiful soul who messages me every day and these little gestures mean a lot, I'm so touched.

"I've been faltering a bit over the last few weeks, but this has given me the driving force to carry on."

Chris Rees donated ticket sales and prize money from four boxing matches and will do so again with his next match at the MECA on December 1 at 6.30pm.

Phil and Cherise Merritt of Smart Car UK in Swindon will sponsor his kit and have encouraged other local businesses to donate to Joanne’s campaign.

Chris’ partner Kelly has helped Joanne see Lyme Disease specialist in Ireland as there are apparently none in the UK.

Chris said: “Joanne's story struck a chord with me, I wanted to help and I'd always thought about taking up boxing, so that's how I've supported her.

"I'm exhausted after a few minutes in the ring but every day is a battle for her. I wouldn't want anyone to go through what she's gone through.

"The fact that people have been so thoughtful has really lifted her spirits.

"Things are going in the right direction, we just need to keep the momentum going."

Since being bitten by an insect in America over 20 years ago and then by a tick in 2009 while she was in her garden, Joanne has suffered symptoms ranging from nausea, fevers and chronic pain to kidney infections and arthritis.

She received a confirmed diagnosis for Lyme disease in 2016.

Official figures show around 1,000 people have the condition in the UK, but Lyme sufferers believe the true number is somewhere between 15,000 to 30,000.

The disease can cause heart failure, paralysis, memory loss, depression and immune system damage. Visit gofundme.com/lymeactuallyjoanne