Fairlands's story

The FVS charity of the year for 2026 is Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, a small charity who carry out research, raise awareness and provide support for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

​E​DS is an invisible disability which affects the connective tissue we all have throughout our bodies. Basically connective tissues give support and hold our organs and joints in place and also help our bodies function as they should. EDS causes a range of symptoms which vary in severity between individuals, many of whom experience extremely severe long term pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, cardiovascular problems and digestive disorders. In some cases EDS can be very severe with some sufferers requiring feeding tubes or wheelchairs or other medical interventions.

Typically, due to a lack of awareness many sufferers wait years or even decades to get a correct diagnosis - it is estimated only 1 in 10 of sufferers are correctly diagnosed. There is no cure for EDS, but a correct diagnosis is essential to help individuals understand and manage their chronic condition, avoid harmful activities and to be able to get the support they need.

This charity is important to FVS following the diagnosis of one of our members and we thank you so much for supporting us to raise awareness and money for this important charity.

You can read more here: www.ehlers-danlos.org

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