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Dystonia local group receives Furness donation
16 May 2007A well attended meeting of the local Dystonia Support Group from Barrow and Ulverston was held at BAE Sports Club recently. One of the main events of the evening was the presentation of a £1,000 donation cheque from Furness Building Society.
The funds will assist the group to support the group in the ‘more than a marathon’ 42 mile Keswick to Barrow Walk.
Another important part of the evening was the presentation by visiting National Dystonia Society Chief Executive, Philip Eckstein of prizes to the winners of the ‘design a tee shirt’ competition recently held. The tee shirts were worn by the Dystonia Team on their epic adventure from Keswick on 12th May.
Mr Eckstein gave a short talk on the lack of general awareness of dystonia, explaining that it is often mistaken for a country next to Estonia! In fact the condition is a series of sustained involuntary muscle contractions that lead to abnormal movements and postures. It can affect various areas of the body and is treatable but further research and awareness is needed and fundraising is key.
Rob Cairns, Furness Building Society Chief Executive presented the Support Group with the cheque and said: ‘The Furness are delighted to be able to provide assistance, we have heard from Phil that the local group is one of the most successful in the country and if he could bottle its success he would. I am sure this drive and determination got the team through the gruelling 42 miles of the Keswick to Barrow and will lead to further success’