Local MP supports Charities Silver Jubilee

1.04.19pm GMT Fri 16th Feb 2007

Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle joined the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell in supporting celebrations for the twenty five year anniversary of the Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association at a special event in Parliament.

The Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association is a charity which supports those with both Raynaud's and Scleroderma. Raynaud's is a common condition (one in ten women are affected to some degree) caused by interrupted blood flow to the extremities. Scleroderma is a much more serious and potentially fatal condition (of which Raynaud's is the first symptom) leading to stiff skin and internal scarring.

The anniversary celebrated their achievements over the last twenty five years. One such is the over £9 million the Association raised for welfare and research projects, such as improving service provision, access to treatment and reducing mortality.

Speaking after the event, Mark Hunter said "I heartily congratulate the Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association on their Silver Jubilee. The research the charity funds is vital in advancing the cause of those who suffer from these conditions. It greatly influences the way both conditions are treated and has done much to contribute to patient welfare, helping to work towards early and accurate diagnoses. I join Sir Menzies Campbell in wishing the Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association many more years of success."

Anne Mawdsley MBE, chief executive and founder of the Association spoke about the future of the charity at the event: "In the next 25 years we will continue to strive to achieve universal access to the best treatment, and raise awareness of the conditions among the general public and healthcare professionals to ensure early and accurate diagnoses of the conditions".