Our People
NE Region Support Group
Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta MBBS, MD, FRCP (Consultant Rheumatologist & Clinical Director for Research)
Professor Dasgupta leads the Southend Rheumatology Dept. which offers specialist services for complex inflammatory arthritides. The Unit is renowned for research, teaching and training. He has developed academic collaboration with the Essex University. Under his leadership the hospital has developed a research culture responsible for the second highest portfolio activity within the Essex & Hertfordshire CLRN.
Mavis R Smith (Trustee and Northeast Chair)
In February 2007 I was diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis. I became actively involved with the PMR-GCA Group after I discovered the treatment was exactly the same as when my Mother had PMR over 20 years previous. We need research, support groups and people to talk to and the hope that future generations will not have to suffer from PMR & GCA.
Margaret Wright B.A. Hons. F.R.S.A. (Trustee and Project Manager)
A 60 year-old mother and grandmother, living with husband Ron in the small fishing village of Cullercoats on the North East Coast in Tyne and Wear. Margaret was diagnosed with PMR in May 2006 and is the Project Co-ordinator for PMR-GCA UK North East Support Group. Before developing PMR she walked an average of 6 miles 3 days a week, swam 20 lengths 3 days a week, sailed, absailed and led a very active life.
Pam Hildreth (Trustee and Secretary)
I’m 62 years old and was diagnosed with PMR just before my 60th birthday having suffered for about 5 months. The first year was the worst, the isolation, lack of information, understanding or hope was depressing. If one more person said “you look well” or “its old age creeping on, you just have to get on with it” I swear I would not be responsible for my actions– if I’d had the energy!
Alan Tailford (Trustee and Treasurer)
Alan is 60 years of age. He retired from Northumbria Police in 1999 and has since had two roles with the Office for National Statistics.
He has no experience of the effects of pmr- gca and until early in 2009 was unaware of the role of this support group. He had worked with Margaret Wright 18 years earlier and she asked if he could assist so he attended the production day for the DVD and a group meeting in Teesside.
Alan was impressed with the positive approach of all those attending the meeting in Teesside and recognised the commitment of Margaret, Mavis and Pam who despite their difficulties in coping with the pain of their condition were prepared to make a considerable contribution of their time and talents to assist others.
Alan volunteered to act as treasurer and is pleased to be associated with the dynamic team who steer PMR-GCA NE.
Lynne Boyle (Trustee)
Lynne has had PMR for 6 years and has recently retired from the insurance industry and can now devote more time to our charity. Lynne still plays squash although she concedes her best days have passed!
Dr Saravanan, MBBS FRCP (Consultant Rheumatologist)
Dr Saravanan, MBBS FRCP, is a Consultant Rheumatologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospitall ln Gateshead. He has a special interest in joint hypermobility and a research interest in rheumatoid lung disease. He is also interested in networking with clinicians in other specialists in primary care, vascular surgery, pathology, ophthalmology etc. to improve management of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica & giant cell arteritis.
Dave Anderson (MP Blaydon)
A patron of the PMR-GCA North East Support Groups, Dave, a former colliery fitter from Sunderland, is also MP for Blaydon.
He has provided immense support to PMR-GCA North East and has a passionate interest in all health matters.
