A Belfast woman has launched a public campaign for improved healthcare access after developing severe autoimmune and digestive conditions following a Covid infection.

Amanda Large, 53, from the Hillhead area, first experienced mild Covid symptoms in January 2022. She later developed reactions to multiple foods and medications, along with persistent diarrhoea, weight loss, and hair loss.

Tests showed her pancreas was not producing digestive enzymes and she tested positive for HLAb27, indicating autoimmune disease. She has been referred to immunology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology services but reports long delays in appointments.

Large has attended the Emergency Department more than 50 times and says she spends several hours each day managing symptoms. She has limited her diet to a small number of safe foods and relies on a mobility scooter.

She has contacted West Belfast MP Paul Maskey for support with her case and has begun posting videos on social media to highlight gaps in care.

Large says she has considered assisted dying at Dignitas in Switzerland but has not pursued it while avenues for treatment remain open. She states that her 16-year-old son is a key reason she continues to seek care.