PMRGCAuk was successful in winning a 1,000 grant as part of Ecclesiasticals Movement for Good awards, giving 1million to charities this summer. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 gifts of 1,000 available for donation.
Now in its 3rd year, it is becoming a regular feature in the PMRGCAuk calendar, providing an opportunity for Groups and Members around the country to raise awareness and vital funds. This years event has been planned to coincide with Small Charity Week, which celebrates the essential work of the UK small charity sector, in the hope of gaining even more momentum.
It is extraordinary how unrecognised the conditions PMR and GCA are but the potential developments in treatment are ‘enormously exciting’. And members of PMRGCAuk have a key role to play in advancing understanding and research.
When we started the Rheuma Roadshows in Southend 18 months ago, the prospect of completing the whole planned cycle of events all around the country seemed ambitious.
In early March, after months of consultation and waiting, we received the news that NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, has approved the use of tocilizumab for cases of giant cell arteritis.
Many doctors are still failing to diagnose and treat PMR and GCA properly, causing unnecessary suffering to patients. That was the view expressed by London group members during their summer meeting, when they conducted a survey of attendees experiences to help inform debate about improvements needed.