There are many people like Bill who suffered from pain and fractures for many years before finally being diagnosed with Paget's Disease of Bone in his lower leg. By the time he obtained treatment. his leg had become severely misshapen.

When Bill came across the Paget's Association, he found the charity to be an excellent source of information and support. Bill commented, " These days I can' walk far without my stick and I occasionally need two. I had a blue disabled badge but it was taken away from me when the rules changed. I suspect this was due to lack of knowledge regarding Paget's disease on the part of those making this decision, because when I appealed and supplied some of the Paget's Associations information. my badge was reinstated very quickly! I have regular check-ups and it is now several years since I have needed any medication. Walking may be slow but I get to most places I wish to go. Due to the bend in my leg, I have, on occasions, where hills are present, to use two crutches. My main problem now is standing still, when my leg gets restless and aches."

So what is Paget's disease? Paget's disease affects the normal repair and renewal process of bone. Throughout life, bone is renewed and repaired through a process called bone remodelling. Paget's disease is characterised by abnormalities in this process. Affected bone/s may be enlarged and misshapen. Symptoms may include severe pain and visible deformity, with common sites being the spine, skull, pelvis and thigh bone (femur). The potential for complications will depend on which bones are affected, but can include fracture and deafness.

As many have never heard of the disease, people affected by this condition can feel very alone. The Paget's Association is the only UK charity to solely support those affected by Paget's disease and, in 2023, will have been doing so for fifty years. The Association needs your help to raise £50,000 to continue providing support well into the future. Please help, if you can. Thank you!