Trapped in a time-warp, Jess Lydon wakes up every morning with no new memories of previous days.

The 19-year-old girl was diagnosed just two weeks ago with Susac's syndrome, an incredibly rare neurological condition which makes her lose her memory every day.

Lydon, from Coventry, is left unable to recall yesterday's dinner, last Christmas, or even that she has split up with her boyfriend of two years.

She is one of just 250 known sufferers in the world of the Groundhog Day syndrome - so-called in reference to the 1993 film starring Bill Murray as a grumpy weather forecaster forced to relive the same 24 hours over and over.

For Lydon - an aspiring actress who only last year memorised the entire script of West End musical We Will Rock You for a starring role - the condition leaves her unable to lead a normal life, or remember the highs and lows of everyday life.

She said, "I can hardly remember anything that has happened in the last year - not even Christmas or my last birthday in December.

"When I look at photos I just find them confusing.

"The really upsetting thing is I don't remember my nan's funeral last year."

The condition is caused by inflammation in the tiny blood vessels in the brain and can affect sight, hearing, balance and memory.

The disease has taken a heavy toll on Lydon's life. She broke up with her boyfriend of two years and has been forced to move back home with her mother.

Her mother has to help her with the most basic tasks such as bathing and washing her hair, and Jess fears she will have to give up her job working in a bingo hall diner because her balance is so bad.

"I can't go out on my own in case I fall over," Lydon said.

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