A WOMAN who set up her own well-being consultancy despite suffering from a debilitating illness herself is up for an award recognising people who have started a business against the odds.

Alexandra Bacon, of Cromford, has had to live with chronic fatigue syndrome for the past decade.

She has learned to manage the condition and last year set up her own counselling and wellbeing consultancy called Lotus Therapeutics.

The business has now been short-listed for the Barclays Trading Places Awards. It is the only one from Derbyshire that has been included in its national top 100.

She could now go on to win a share of more than £50,000 worth of cash and prizes in the competition

The 26-year-old said: "Since I started the business it has been a challenging 18 months in a lot of respects.

"But it's probably the most rewarding period of my life too, as I'm now following my dream.

"The condition is very frustrating. After completing my A-levels I had been due to study psychology at university but I had a serious relapse.

"I used my time to train as a counsellor and become qualified. I eventually felt ready to start my own business.

"It was so unexpected to be short-listed for the Trading Places award.

"It has given me a boost to continue with the business and move it on to the next stage and set up new projects in the local community.

"I still have the condition and cannot work 12-hour days. But I am a lot better than I was."

Chronic fatigue syndrome is often referred to as the "invisible illness".

It is also known as post-viral fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME. The main feature of ME is excessive fatigue but other symptoms are muscle or joint pain, headaches and recurring infections, such as a sore throat.

In her business, set up with help from the Prince's Trust, Alexandra teaches techniques she learned to cope with her illness.

Alexandra, who has practices in Derby and Matlock, delivers therapy, coaching and training sessions to clients in the voluntary, public and private sectors.

She said "Having suffered from ME for 10 years I was healed using these techniques. I have since developed an integrative healing system which I use with my clients

"I work with people who want to make big life changes, such as losing weight, getting a new career or relationship, or quitting smoking, who are struggling to make it happen.

The next stage of the Barclays competition will whittle the 100 businesses down to 25 semi-finalists.

Winners will be named from 10 national finalists at a gala dinner at London's Savoy Hotel on November 30.