PMR-GCA UK
PMR-GCA UK National Charity
Aims
- to promote research into the cause, treatment,and guidelines for PMR and GCA
- to raise awareness of PMR and GCA within the medical profession and the general public
- to assist in the setting up of a national network of support groups
As a new charity PMR-GCA UK needs funding to fulfil our aims. All donations and legacies will be gratefully accepted.
To donate to the National charity PMR-GCA UK please click here.
Dr Kate Gilbert (Chair)
Born in 1951 in Birmingham, Kate was the first person in her family to go to University. Proud to be called Doctor but not qualified to take out anyone’s appendix – she has a PhD in management! Kate has been happily married for 37 years, with two children and two grandchildren. PMR came her way four years ago and it was a shock, as prior to that she had been fit and athletic. It hit her like a ton of bricks and she was amazed at how little seemed to be known about it. Thanks to the internet Kate made contact with other women with PMR and GCA and they have stayed in contact ever since, encouraging each other to form support groups and contribute to the work to form a national organisation.
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.
Jayne Sibley BSc(Hons) (Secretary)
I contracted PMR at the age of 48. I believe my positive thinking, strong will, determination, independent and stubborn streak will get me through. A national organisation for PMR/GCA will promote research, raise awareness and offer support to people with PMR/GCA. I am also in the process of setting up a support group in my own region (Coventry and Warwickshire).
Wendy Morrison (Trustee/Director of PMR-GCA UK & South West Support Group)
Having been fit all my life I was suddenly struck down with PMR in March 2006. I then realised that my mother also had PMR in her 80s although it was not diagnosed. After getting over this double shock I attempted to carry on life as normal. I wanted answers and attempted to find out more about the condition and joined Pam, Mavis, Jayne and Kate in forming "pmrfighters". I am still fighting when I have the energy
Alan Walkington (Treasurer)
Alan started work as a joiner in 1961 moving through several jobs before finishing as a Training Manager.
After 33 years Alan retired in 1993. A keen squash player, swimmer, cyclist, walker and climber. He has PMR, but reckons the steroids have made him young again - if only!
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.
Jennifer Nott (Trustee Director)
Jennifer trained as a teacher and taught for a number of years in primary and special schools, and lecturing in Higher education. Jennifer worked for the ILEA as an advisory teacher for visually impaired children, visiting homes and schools in S.E London. She latterly ran the service for visually impaired children in Bromley with the aid of an excellent team of teachers and support workers.
During her professional life she has undertaken several counselling courses which have proved invaluable when offering support to people experiencing polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. Jennifer runs the helpline which operates from East Anglia, where she runs is a well-established and thriving PMR-GCA Support Service.
The setting up of a national organisation for PMR and GCA has been a prime aim and a wish fulfilled for Jennifer, who has worked from early days to see the national PMR-GCA UK established.
