Page 47 - N&V Winter 2019

North East

we continue to have a able to provide updated information over meeting 18th may, 2019 at The bay
good turnout at our tri- the last few months and shared knowledge Horse, whickham
monthly meetings. Our in relation to current drugs, usage, side We had another good turnout at
current venues in effects and advice from lupus trained staff.” Whickham. Once again we must say a big
whickham and thank you to Dionne for her hospitality.
Gisborough Hall which we alternate A wonderful gesture! Judith Sutherland was unable to attend as
between are ideal for fair travelling We received a lovely email from member she is currently struggling with her health.
distances but we are always keen to hear Vicki Hawksby-Robinson who wanted to tell We wish Judith well and hope to see her in
of other locations. Parking and disability us about her amazing Auntie. Vicki wrote August. Susie Broughton brought along the
access are the main factors required and the following... books written by her Father who will be
a quiet ground floor room- free of charge giving all proceeds to LUPUS UK. Let's
would be considered. Please email me if "My Auntie Brenda celebrated her 80th support this great gesture and purchase the
you know of any venues that could offer birthday on 6th March 2019. Instead of books from Amazon - Red Week and Black
this to our group. Hole, both crime thrillers by Frank
Thank you Flass vale Tractor Club Broughton.
A Tractor run organised by the Flass Vale We discussed the use of Cannabis Oil (The
Vintage Tractor Club in Durham has raised legal type!) which can be purchased over
a fantastic amount of £2,726 for LUPUS the counter. Val stated she had really
UK. The run set off from Ushaw College benefited from using the oil and strongly
then took in Knitsley Hall, Satley and recommends trying it. Almost immediately
Butsfield with many off road sections she was able to walk and move more
courtesy of local farmers and landowners. freely and no longer relies on a walking
The procession which included 75 entrants stick. The exciting breakthrough in Australia
stopped for lunch at Hall Hill Farm before presents she made a lovely gesture of was mentioned with the possible discovery
setting off for the return journey to Ushaw asking for donations to LUPUS UK. Family of genetic mutations which can lead to
College where a and friends gave generously and she has Lupus. Shane kindly provided a dietary
hog roast was collected £312 altogether. My Auntie did advice slip for everybody which she
waiting. There this because I have lupus SLE, as well as produced from reading a book on Arthritis.
was also a other health conditions. I have been very ill Linda brought her handmade goodies with
fundraising raffle since 2008 and it was in 2015 that I was all proceeds going to LUPUS UK.
and Tombola. diagnosed with lupus. Finally knowing what
the cause of my problems was and then A concerning topic covered was members
Every year the getting the correct treatment has led to feeling like they had to be responsible for
run raises money huge improvements in my health, so much so their medication and what tablets could be
for local charities but this year, because a that in November 2018 I gave birth to a taken with what! Whilst everybody agreed
family member of one of the entrants has healthy baby, Sumaya (pictured here with that we are ultimately responsible for
lupus they decided to raise money for my auntie and me). Being a member of ourselves there were several stories of
LUPUS UK. Lucy Stephenson, daughter of LUPUS UK and receiving the support they members being told months after being
club member Dickie Armstrong has lupus offer with information and the lupus nurses, prescribed a drug that they shouldn't have
and was thrilled the club supported a as well as meetups when I'm well enough to been taking it with others. It was a
charity close to her heart. attend, has been a great comfort to reminder that we should always check and
understand my condition and meet others ASK if in doubt.
Gisborough Hall meeting
suffering with similar issues. I'd just like to Thank you to all those who continue to
Member Kevin Rooney kindly provided an send the biggest thank you to my auntie for support the North East Group. Enjoy the
update from the meeting in February. showing such loving support". summer months and cover up!
“On a beautiful sunny but rather windy day Thank you Auntie Brenda from all at LUPUS Sally College
it was great to see nine existing members UK and congratulations to Vicki on the
and one new member together with three arrival of Daughter Sumaya.
supporting family members in the elegant
drawing room. Our new member Caroline
gave us all the full story of how she has
gone from being a very active individual
enjoying her spare time with horses and
planning her wedding to being diagnosed
with lupus in December 2018. She was
married in mid 2018 and the onset of lupus
symptoms starting to impact on both her
social and work life. Following a period of
hospitalisation she was very quickly
diagnosed and she spoke in high regards
of her treatment by the consultant and
hospital staff. Many in the room were able
through their own experience to provide
both information and support to Caroline.
The existing members in the room were all 268C

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luPus uK NEWS & VIEWS SUMMER 2019