A young girl's future became a little brighter yesterday after her fellow students, parents and staff of Berkeley Institute School joined together to raise $1,000 to help with her medical costs.

The "Berkeley family'' held a grub day on Wednesday to raise money for 16-year-old Tonya Symonds who suffers from a very rare condition known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) for which there is no known cure.

Berkeley Principal, Michelle Gabisi addressed yesterday morning's assembly and said that Tonya's family has accumulated many medical expenses in its quest to seek relief for their daughter.

And she added that she was proud of the staff and students and appreciated their continued prayers and support.

Student President, Franco Harris, also 16, addressed the assembly and explained why the school was uniting to raise money to help Tonya.

He said many students would not know Tonya simply because of her quiet, calm and friendly personality.

But Tonya had intelligence, determination even though she was not in the best of health. For the first couple of weeks at school, said Mr. Harris, Tonya had been at home sick, with limited movement due to muscle problems.

He said as a result, Tonya has missed out on a substantial amount of schooling, and said: "Tonya does not deserve this and should be helped.

"Thus we have decided on behalf of Berkeley Institute to present this $800 raised yesterday as a result of a grub day specifically in aid of Tonya. We hope that this money is used generously and it helps you to return Tonya to school as soon as possible and be amongst the people that care about her also.'' He added: "Tonya, we miss you and we hope to see you back soon.'' Michelle Gabisi then announced that the cheque had been made out for $1,000 which met with enthusiastic applause from the students.

She thanked the students, parents and faculty which make up the Berkeley family and explained Tonya was diagnosed with FMS four years ago.

She added that it has only been in the last 10 to 15 years that it has been recognised by modern medicine, and the family goes wherever they can to try and get help for her condition.

She then read a note Tonya had written in which she said: "I'm grateful and truly appreciative. I can't walk well because of the Fibromyalgia, and if you can imagine having a cramp, it is like that cramp times 100 all over your body. It is like being stabbed or being on fire.

"Thanks for the support of friends who have stopped by and all the prayers.'' Tonya's mother continued: "This contribution will assist in all the wishes we have for Tonya. We, as the Berkeley family, have a vision to see Tonya well, and the day she walks through the school doors, we will have succeeded.'' Tonya's father Derick, better known as local radio personality CJ on Power 95, addressed the assembly and explained what the disease entailed.

He said it was a chronic condition that included fatigue, muscle pain, generalised aches, stiffness, chronic headaches, and sleep disturbances.

He concluded: "On behalf of my family, thank you for your generosity and keeping our family in your thoughts.''