Fibro group fights for change

The Fibro Flair Awareness Group is spreading the word on a condition which leaves sufferers with chronic, widespread pain.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2017, 14:19 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 21:04 BST
group from the Fibro Flair Awareness Group - a charity to raise awareness into fibromyalgia - who have arranged to have the tower to be lit up. L-R Cath Farrer, Sarah Roberts, Lucy Roberts, Helen Sharpe and Richard McCourts.group from the Fibro Flair Awareness Group - a charity to raise awareness into fibromyalgia - who have arranged to have the tower to be lit up. L-R Cath Farrer, Sarah Roberts, Lucy Roberts, Helen Sharpe and Richard McCourts.
group from the Fibro Flair Awareness Group - a charity to raise awareness into fibromyalgia - who have arranged to have the tower to be lit up. L-R Cath Farrer, Sarah Roberts, Lucy Roberts, Helen Sharpe and Richard McCourts.

Blackpool Tower was lit up in purple recently to show support to sufferers of fibromyalgia, which affects an estimated one in five people.

Sarah Roberts, Blackpool and district awareness advocate for the Fibro Flare Awareness Group, has been delivering leaflets to doctors surgeries in the area to raise awareness

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Sarah, 50, from Bispham, who has suffered from the condition for 10 years, said: “I look normal.

“I used to be a beautician and worked for the DWP but I have got the most chronic pain. It is so debilitating.

“It has affected my speech and I can only go out once a week.

“The people at Blackpool Tower have been fantastic at showing their support.

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“Fibromyalgia can affect anyone, child or adult from any walk of life and whilst it has been recognised medically for more than 400 years much more research is needed before patients can have hope of a better future.”

Earlier this month, the group was presented with a cheque for £1,200 from members of Garstang and District Ladies N.F.U Social Section.

The money will be used to help the group’s ongoing work of raising awareness and funding research into fibromyalgia

Beth Urmston, chairman at Fibro Flare Awareness Group, said: “We are delighted that so many people are willing to show support for the work that we do and to help us continue by fund-raising on our behalf.

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“The Garstang and District Ladies N.F.U were extremely welcoming, we enjoyed meeting so many and being given such a fantastic opportunity to share information, although I must confess I am still somewhat gutted that I was so busy talking I missed out on the fabulous cakes that were on sale!”

Fibromyalgia can also cause fatigue, anxiety and depression.

There is currently an online petition – www.change.org/p/uk-parliament-make-fibromyalgia-a-disability– to make fibromyalgia recognised as a disability within the Equality Act 2010.

Sarah added: “There is no cure and current treatments have been shown to be only 25-30 per cent effective meaning many patients are left struggling.

“Many become severely disabled and need carers.”

For more details contact Beth Urmston (01925) 480899 or [email protected]

Related topics:Blackpool TowerBispham