A Place In The Sun presenter Laura Hamilton has spoken candidly about a health condition that she attempts to hide from viewers. The 44-year-old suffers from immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a condition in which the immune system reduces platelet levels, which can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Managing the condition
Speaking exclusively to us, the property expert explained she controls the condition effectively, although "has to be mindful" about overcommitting as this could trigger a flare-up. Laura has previously shown fans the effects of her condition on Instagram, displaying bruising on her legs. Captioning the post, she explained that it was the result of a flare-up and that she had chosen a specific outfit to cover up the bruises on camera.
"I could show you my legs, I've got a couple of bruises on my legs at the moment, but [I'm fine]," the presenter told us. "Like I have low platelet count in my blood, and it just means that I bruise a bit more easily than probably other people normally would. I don't have it like so bad that I'm on any medication for it, I'm just mindful that if I ever get stressed, or like if I'm doing loads of physical stuff, like particularly hardcore decorating."
Balancing projects and family
Laura is currently renovating her new home in Mallorca, while also carrying out work on her UK property. She has also launched a YouTube channel covering all things property, which has already attracted 22,000 subscribers. As well as her personal commitments, she is filming new episodes of A Place In The Sun — a show she has been part of since 2012 — while juggling life as a mum-of-two to son Rocco and daughter Tahlia.
The property expert said she doesn't let the condition affect her life. Laura draws inspiration from her mother Lynn, who has rheumatoid arthritis. "I've watched her never like let it [get to her]. She's just very full of life and carries on and I think there's a lot of people out there with a lot worse things," she revealed. "I'm just mindful that I might end up with bruises, and sometimes I'll wear longer dresses on A Place in the Sun, because I don't want people to think, 'Oh my God, what's happened to her legs?'."
New ventures
Laura launched her new YouTube Channel earlier this year, with episodes consisting of practical guidance and tips on everything from purchasing and selling property to refurbishments, interior styling and investing in homes both domestically and abroad. It also provides an exclusive glimpse into Laura's personal renovation ventures and the valuable insights she's gained throughout the process. Episodes of Property with Laura Hamilton are released every Friday at 5pm on Laura's YouTube channel. Her new home brand, Laura Hamilton Home, will also be launching soon with curated wall art collections, available via www.laurahamiltonofficial.com and in stores soon.
