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TWO PATRONS ANNOUNCED BY THE DYSTONIA SOCIETY

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6 November 2006

Rt Hon the Lord (Gus) Macdonald of Tradeston, CBE and actor Derek Thompson (‘Charlie Fairhead’ of the long-running BBC medical series ‘Casualty’) have been appointed as honorary patrons of The Dystonia Society. Both men attended and were introduced to delegates at the Society’s national Conference in London recently.

Gus Macdonald commented on his appointment: “As a working Peer in the House of Lords, my key role will be monitoring developments of interest across Westminster and Whitehall. My hope is that, through this new role, the work of the Society will become more widely known and the problems of dystonia sufferers better understood.”

Derek Thompson has been treated for over three years with cervical dystonia, which is also known as spasmodic torticollis. He added: “I had never admitted what a burden it was keeping the secret of my condition from so many people but, when I spoke to someone on the Dystonia Society helpline, I felt the weight being lifted off my shoulders. Thanks to the Dystonia Society, I have learned a lot more about the illness and how to cope with it.”

The Society’s Chief Executive, Philip Eckstein, said: “We are delighted that two such eminent people from the world of national politics and entertainment have kindly agreed to become actively involved in our cause. Their involvement will present us with a real opportunity to increase awareness of dystonia throughout the UK.”

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NOTE TO EDITOR

• High resolution photographs of Gus Macdonald and Derek Thompson attending the Dystonia Society’s Conference are available on request. For further information, contact Phil Baldy at the Dystonia Society on 0845 458 6211 or 07977 416311. Email phil.baldy@dystonia.org.uk

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

• Rt Hon the Lord Macdonald of Tradeston, CBE, is Patron and Parliamentary Sponsor of the Dystonia Society. Gus Macdonald was Chairman of both Scottish Media Group plc and the academic publishers, Taylor and Francis plc, before being appointed to the House of Lords in 1998 as Minister for Business and Industry at the Scottish Office. Subsequently he was Minister for Transport in attendance at Cabinet (1999 – 2001) then Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster before stepping down from Government in 2003.


• Derek Thompson is a Belfast-born television actor, most notable for playing Charlie Fairhead in the long running series ‘Casualty’ who is the only remaining original cast member. He was also a main character in ‘The Long Good Friday’ and ‘Harry’s Game’, a drama about the IRA in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

ABOUT DYSTONIA

• Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects an estimated 40,000 people of all ages in the UK. Involuntary sustained muscle spasms can affect various parts of the body, such as the neck, hands, legs eyes and throat, or can be generalised throughout the body. The abnormal movements caused by dystonia can be extremely painful and debilitating. There is no known cure at present. Current treatments include injections of botulinum toxin A into the affected area by a qualified healthcare practioner, oral medication and surgery. The Dystonia Society provides support and information to people with dystonia, their families and carers. The helpline number is 08450 956575 (local call charge) Mondays to Fridays, 10am until 4pm, or you can contact us via our website.

For further information, contact Phil Baldy on 0845 458 6211 or 07977 416311.

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