We have now donated the fundraising total of £2,050 to FFU in memory of Ann. See below for a statement of thanks from Alison, their MD:

We were very sorry as an organisation to learn earlier this year of the sudden passing of Ann Pearson , one of our members. Her family wished to do something in Ann’s memory for the Scottish Fibromyalgia Community and we are delighted to have received a huge amount of funds raised in Ann’s memory , via Crowdfunding by her sister Sue. The Crowdfunder was greatly supported by those that loved and knew Ann and wanted to help the fibromyalgia community in her name and a staggering £2050 was raised and donated last week to FFU Scotland CIC , Scotland’s’ National Organisation for Fibromyalgia.

The Organisation like so many have struggled through 2020 with the pandemic, however much work continued meeting needs of people living with fibromyalgia in Scotland through our Poverty and Wellbeing Outreach Service. In total from our Hygiene packages during May 2020 ( funded by Corra Foundation/ supporter donations), our annual Christmas Food, Toy, Hygiene and compassion hampers Dec 2020 , Wellbeing and activity boxes and our new Fibro foodbank in partnership with Faresharego, we have reached over 555 adults and children across 26 out of the 32 local authorities in Scotland. These all helped people living with fibromyalgia who were further struggling with poverty and mental health. This work was crucial during the lockdown and impact on both physical and mental health of so many.

The organisation are now in the throes of rebranding/restructuring and the refurbishment of their premises. All of this work is expanding what was commenced from 2017 as a registered non-profit organisation, providing support meetings; drop ins; benefit support/advocacy; outreach and awareness work and so much more. The organisation has entered the next phase and has now commenced creating a community based pathway centre for Fibromyalgia. The first in Scotland which will provide a multi modal approach under one roof to provide opportunities and supports for anyone living with fibromyalgia to better self-manage Fibromyalgia.

The funds raised by Sue and the family will help towards this work and help so many others living with Fibromyalgia in Scotland. Once the centre is completed Ann will be remembered in a plaque within our centre. (End of Statement from Fibro Friends United Scotland)

We so appreciate and thank all that donated to the fund in memory of Ann.

Ann had a sparkling personality, cared deeply for others and was always available to offer her support to family and friends. We were shocked beyond belief when she tragically passed away on 22 November following a terrible accident. It is only now she has gone we are realising the full extent of her suffering with Fibro. Although we can no longer help Ann we know that she would be happy to see us striving to help others suffering like her.

Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system syndrome affecting 200-300,000 people in Scotland. It is a highly debilitating and fluctuating syndrome that affects all ages and gender. Widespread pain, physical and cognitive fatigue, headaches, bowel and bladder issues, digestive issues such as IBS, inability to control body temperature, cognitive issues, mental health, mobility impact, sensitivity to noise, lights and many many other aspects affect the persons daily living. Someone living with fibromyalgia is constantly in fight and flight mode , constantly hypervigilant and this places stressors on the central nervous system which causes pain in the body.

 FFU Scotland (community interest company) are Scotland’s non-profit organisation working across Scotland with fibromyalgia . The organisation is disability led, everyone from directors to members/support are volunteers. and they strive to support, empower and inspire all those in Scotland with fibromyalgia.

Throughout 2019/20 FFU offered benefit and social advocacy, support meetings, early intervention info drop ins, awareness talks and events as well as the annual fibro awareness week in May. During covid lock down they increased their outreach poverty work. Looking ahead, SO much more help is needed as newly diagnosed fibro sufferers are left to navigate their journey alone. Medication has a role within Fibromyalgia management but is not solely the answer. Sufferers need to be stabilised; they require support, advice and guidance; underlying trauma work; nutrition, muscle work and therapies to aid them.

During 2021 FFU will be working to complete the first community based pathway centre for fibromyalgia in Scotland, where they will be able to deliver hands on and digital outreach work. They have made a start and have already completed both an advocacy and therapy room, but need to raise further funds to build their 1-1 peer support and relaxation room, provide furniture, flooring and blinds. On completion this Pathway Centre for Fibromyalgia will provide support, education and advocacy - from point of diagnosis and continuing throughout each person’s fibromyalgia journey. This will include 1-1 peer support; workshops; speakers; support meetings; advocacy; help lines, trauma programme; self-management programme referral and partnership work with other agencies and health and social care, nutrition, structured movement programmes and varied researched holistic therapy work, our volunteer programme and more.

We will be helping with all this in Ann’s memory. Please help us achieve this on behalf of her.

With love and gratitute, Ann's family.

Ann Clare Pearson, forever missed but never forgotten.