PICNICS named after a girl from Stroud are being held around the world to raise awareness about a life-threatening condition.

When Molly Pegler, 17, was diagnosed with hypopituitarism which causes adrenal insufficiency, her mum Rachel set up a worldwide awareness day to help others who are in the same situation.

Now in its third year, around 150 Molly's picnics were held across the world including in America, Egypt, Australia, Spain and the Netherlands for Adrenal Insufficiency Awareness Day yesterday.

Friends and family will also gather at Tinkley Farm in Nympsfield, on Saturday, June 11.

"I had the idea of creating an awareness day because Molly was not diagnosed with a life threatening condition for 14 years," said Rachel, who gave up her job to look after Molly and campaign to raise awareness.

"Despite being under some of the best consultants in the south west a simple cortisol test and referral to an endocrinologist would have largely prevented 14 years of illness.

"She is lucky to be here.

"We are holding a picnic prom for Molly this year because she sadly had to leave school in Year 10 due to illness and lack of understanding.

"She was so upset to see all of her friend’s pictures of the prom a few weeks ago and cried all day.

"This is not how an ill child who has been through so much already should feel.

"The event is about raising awareness for the need for more research, early diagnosis and better medical treatment."

The mum of four is working with The Pituitary Foundation to raise awareness about the condition and has written widely for the news website The Mighty.

This year's event is being held in memory of 13-year-old Rowdy Williams who died in February after catching a simple virus which caused complications due to adrenal insufficiency.

"Rowdy's family are totally devastated it is heart breaking to talk to his mother," added Rachel, 42.

"I have many friends now who have this condition or who have children which do.

"Something has to be done to manage this better and to get more diagnosis, most people are diagnosed through post-mortem.

"One simple cortisol injection will save a life if they are aware of the condition."

All funds will go to The Pituitary Foundation.

To find out more and to donate visit bit.ly/22K5C0n.