AS the film credits rolled, Liz Firmin's life changed forever.
She attempted to stand up but couldn't move.
Instead, she was rooted to her chair and had lost the use of her left leg.
Nearly a decade ago, it represented the start of a long, gruelling journey trying to get to the bottom of the problem.
Liz was and still is forced to walk with crutches or use a wheelchair.
She also has to contend with a host of symptoms including chronic pain, spasms, tremors, fatigue and speech problems.
It left her "completely disabled" and it was only three or four years later that the issue was diagnosed as functional neurological disorder (FND).
Essentially a problem with the functioning of the nervous system, it affects how the brain and body send and receive signals and that can lead to a host of physical, sensory and cognitive problems.
"I'll never forget that film night," said the 34-year-old, who lives in Mile End, Colchester.
"When it finished, I couldn't get up again.
"My left leg had completely stopped working and, from that moment, life changed forever.
Great team - Liz and her daughter, Poppy Hogan
"I'd had a back problem, which had caused problems with my leg, so wasn't exactly scared at that point.
"I just assumed the feeling would eventually return but it never did.
"I didn't know it at the time but it was the start of a long, difficult journey and went on for ages - probably three or four years - before I started getting answers to my questions.
"Even medical professionals didn't know what the problem was and one doctor very bluntly, rudely told me it was all in my head.
Pizza the action - Poppy cooks up something special
"It knocked my confidence and left me feeling stuck, rooted to the spot and never moving forward.
"It's taken away so much in the last few years, including my independence and ability to work or go out.
"It's completely disabled me and if I'm not walking on crutches, I'm in a wheelchair. I've lost so much.
"It might get better, it might not. There might be light at the end of the tunnel, there might not.
Hoping to raise awareness - Liz Firmin
"There's no certainty and it's different for everyone because it's such an individual disorder."
After years of uncertainty, Liz was eventually diagnosed with FND.
A neurologist described it a "software problem, not a hardware problem" but, while hard to pinpoint, it’s the second most common reason for neurology outpatient appointments.
It's more widespread than both multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease and, in fact, is often misdiagnosed for MS.
Strike a pose - Liz and Poppy
As Liz says, it's the 'most common disorder you’ve never heard of'.
More than 60 per cent of cases are women, but it can affect anyone and each individual differently.
"It's certainly not an easy life and I feel like I can't progress - like I'm watching the world go by without me," said the former Philip Morant School student.
"I'd be absolutely lost without my 11-year-old daughter, Poppy, and mum, Chris.
"Poppy's a young carer and been brilliant. Bless her.
All smiles - Liz and Poppy
"She's been doing things like loading the washing machine since she was three years old.
"She does an immense job.
"There are times when it takes its toll and she wants to be a 'normal' child.
"I can't do the normal physical things with her like riding bikes and going swimming and that's hard for both of us but, generally speaking, she's amazing and looks after me alongside going to school at Camulos Academy.
"Mum's an angel, too.
Green fingered - Poppy and her gran, Chris
"She's my other full-time carer and comes round during the week to help out.
"She comes to all my meetings and appointments and I don't know where I'd be without her.
"I'm also fortunate to get support from my sister, Rebecca, brother-in-law, Jon, and dad, Ron.
Liz, who had to move into a bungalow for mobility reasons, wanted to speak about her condition because April is FND Awareness Month.
Young carer - Liz's 11-year-old daughter, Poppy Hogan
"Hopefully by speaking out, we can stop someone else going through what I went through for so many years, waiting for a diagnosis," she said.
"I hate to think of others feeling how I felt because it can be a lonely, mentally challenging journey dealing with FND.
"Mental health is also very closely linked to the disorder and something I feel strongly about.
"I've asked for a cake to be made by Charles Cake Creations, in Colchester.
"It's going to be auctioned and proceeds will go to FND Hope (the charity promoting awareness and support for individuals and carers - fndhopeuk on social media).
"I'm also working with a lady who runs the website www.sohappyintown.com and she raises money for children and young people's mental health charity Young Minds.
"She's had a special edition pink T-shirt made and 100 per of her profits will be going to FND Hope.
"As much as anything, I just want people to talk about the disorder and be more aware of it.
"I'd much rather people talk to me and ask what's wrong, rather than just staring at me and watching me struggle.
"If I can help anyone by speaking out, so be it.
"FND Hope (fndhope.org) is also a great outlet for anyone needing more information or answers to their questions."
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