Funds will be restricted to 'Rheumatology Fund' to enable the trust to ring-fence donations for the department and make a 30% payment to NRAS.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a life-changing, progressive disease. It can strike at any age and causes painful, stiff, swollen joints and fatigue. Unlike osteoarthritis (“wear and tear”) it is caused by the immune system attacking the joints and usually requires toxic/powerful medication to bring it under control. Even then most people living with RA and other inflammatory arthritic conditions experience flares. Early diagnosis is essential to minimise joint damage and disability.

We are aiming to raise £30,000 towards an ultrasound machine for Lister Hospital’s Rheumatology Department. Ultrasound scans can help determine whether joint pain and swelling is caused by rheumatoid disease activity or osteoarthritis. If the Department had its own dedicated ultrasound machine staff could scan problem joints immediately, so speeding up diagnosis and treatment and possibly negating the need for further hospital appointment time and reducing discomfort for patients.

Sharon Pearson (Rheumatology Nurse Specialist), Louise Hawkins (Rheumatology Staff Nurse), Angela Cook (Rheumatology Research Nurse) and Spencer Ellis (Consultant Rheumatologist) will be undertaking the UK’s longest freefall abseil, a 262 foot drop down the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture in the Olympic Park on Saturday 24th June. They will pass on a baton to walkers, runners and cyclists symbolising passing on the message of the importance of early diagnosis. The team of walkers, runners and cyclists comprised of hospital staff, patients and NRAS members will cover a total of 10Km within the Olympic Park.

NRAS supports all those living with RA and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) to allow them to live their lives to the full. It also supports their families, carers and healthcare professionals who treat them. Visit www.nras.org.uk NRAS is changing minds, changing services and changing lives for people with RA and JIA.