A mother, from Holywell, is urging for greater awareness of hidden disabilities.

Sarah Williams, 37, is advocating for more understanding of her son Archie's illness which is described as life-limiting.

Nine-year-old Archie suffers from pulmonary hypertension (PH), a progressive condition causing high pressure in blood vessels linking the heart and lungs.

Despite his constant exhaustion and breathing difficulties, Archie appears outwardly healthy.

Ms Williams is rallying support for an awareness day dedicated to PH, to shed light on the challenges of living with such invisible illnesses.

PH Day UK, organised by the national charity Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA UK), is set to take place on Friday, November 1.

Ms Williams said: "People don’t understand why Archie can’t do what other kids do because he looks fine.

"If he was in a wheelchair, it would be obvious, or if he was wearing an oxygen mask then people would ask questions.

"But all they see is a pale little boy who doesn’t go out much.

"Simply walking to school is a huge struggle for him, but no-one has ever heard of PH so they don’t get how serious it is.

"It’s taken Archie’s childhood away from him, but because it’s an invisible illness, people just don’t get it."

Ms Williams and Archie have been challenged for using disabled parking bays, despite their blue badge.

Archie's condition prevents him from playing with his 16-year-old brother and three-year-old sister.

Ms Williams said: "Archie’s PH has changed everything for our family.

"We can’t even all go to the park together because it’s too much for him.

"He falls asleep at school, and he can’t join in at playtime – he just can’t do things that other children do, and what he should be doing.

"He’s alive, but it doesn’t always feel like he is living.

"The progressive side of the illness is the hardest thing to take.

"But despite everything, Archie just gets on with things.

"He’s so inspiring and such a character.

"I just wish people knew more about PH and understood that not all disabilities are visible."

Archie was diagnosed with PH at five years old and receives treatment from Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London, the only UK hospital providing specialised care for children with this condition.

In the UK, PH affects approximately 8,000 individuals, both adults and children.

The condition causes severe breathlessness and fatigue, and can develop 'out of nowhere' in many cases.

Dr Iain Armstrong, chair of PHA UK, said: "It is devastating for parents to find out their child has PH.

"Very few people have heard of it and those with the condition often appear well from the outside.

"It’s important for the general public to understand the challenges of living with a hidden illness, and we are grateful to Sarah for sharing her family’s story."

To learn more about pulmonary hypertension, visit www.phauk.org.