Model and mum battles condition it took seven years to diagnose

A former 'Page 3' model and mum, who sometimes finds herself bedbound for weeks due to a baffling ailment, has revealed it took seven years for doctors to diagnose her. Char Borley, who has appeared on the covers of Playboy and FHM, has been privately contending with a serious health struggle.

The 41-year-old Suffolk native has now been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome a condition recently brought into the spotlight by EastEnders actress Martine McCutcheon, who opened up about the "physical and emotional trauma" it inflicts.

Char describes being "physically bedridden for weeks on end" and occasionally experiencing such "tremendous" pain that it feels almost too much to bear. Determined to shed light on the challenges of living with an invisible disability, she's sharing her story to inspire others not to abandon their aspirations despite similar struggles.

"I have no choice but to take more rest than others," Char admits. "I walk with an aid during difficult times but sometimes I can be physically bedridden for weeks on end."

"The pain is tremendous, it can feel unbearable. There is no cure; I will likely spend the rest of my life on painkillers and need assistance.", reports Gloucestershire Live.

"But I refuse to let my disability define me or stand in the way of what I want to achieve. My fans adore me my health doesn't change that. If anything, they have been so supportive."

"They send over a huge percentage of their wages every month. I still earn £50,000 a month and now I'm on a mission to help others fulfil their dreams."

"It's great that there is more support for people with ME but there is still so much to be done. It's more common than people realise, so I find it heartwarming and brave that Martine discusses her condition so openly."

"Unfortunately, it took seven years before I was diagnosed."

"Doctors are still running tests due to other suspected illnesses that they believe I might have. It's difficult to cope with the unknown and constantly be going to appointments, but I am trying to stay positive."

"The earliest symptom, for me, was exhaustion. I had no idea what was going on and wasn't recovering from everyday tasks as quickly as I normally would."

"And, of course, the searing pain in my muscles and bones, which often immobilises me. Despite everything, it's a huge relief to finally have answers."

"I rely a lot on my family for support and my team at work are also great. For instance, while on a business trip earlier this year, they helped provide me with therapy and 24/7 assistance."

Aside from her modelling career and being the cover star for Playboy's July issue, Char is also venturing into entrepreneurship with her new business, xTakeMe. The platform aims to support content creators in monetising their work.

Char explained: "It's a girlfriend experience site designed to help and support our creators. Some of them have earned over $20,000 in their first month with us and landed huge cover deals with us."

"They sell their unique videos in our online store and chat with fans. It's the perfect time to launch this now, I'm filling an industry gap."

"I also personally help set these women up with publicity, as well as train and guide them. I am concerned that my health might deteriorate it's always a worry, but that's why I do this."

"My aim is to help others but also financially secure my future and my family."

Despite living with a disability that has significantly altered her life, Char remains undeterred. She shared: "I used to be in the gym every day and was a competitive bodybuilder, sponsored by some of the biggest companies in the world."

"I'll never be able to do that again. Any inflammation affects me in a terrible way."

"However, despite the challenges posed by my disability, I live with ME and enjoy an incredible lifestyle. I believe anyone can achieve success if they stop dreaming and start doing."