Rachael Hamilton MSP offered her support to Liz Brodie of Darnick, who is embarking on the 500 mile Camino de Santiago to raise funds for Versus Arthritis.
The Camino de Santiago is a 500-mile long ancient pilgrimage route that spans across France and Northern Spain. Liz will start on the expedition on the 29th April in St. Jean-Pied-du-Port (France) and aims to finish 35 days later in Santiago de Compostela (Spain).
Liz Brodie is hoping to raise £5,000 for Versus Arthritis, the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis. It was launched in September 2018, following the legal merger of the two leading arthritis charities in the UK, Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care in November 2017.
According to research, 10 million people in the UK are affected by arthritis. It affects almost three in ten men and women over the age of 55. Versus Arthritis works to help them to remain active by funding research, campaigning and providing information for patients, the public and health professionals.
If you would like to support Liz Brodie, she is raising through a Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/liz-brodie1. Liz is funding the trip herself, all donations will go straight to Versus Arthritis.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“I want to wish Liz Brodie all the best on her expedition to Santiago; she has all of us behind her! Her endeavour is highlighting the ongoing need for more support for people living with arthritis.
“The impact of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions is having on our local communities is enormous, and it is stopping people from carrying out basic tasks.
"The work of the charity on a local level to help people with arthritis stay and return to work, and with young people with arthritis is vital in supporting them maintain their freedom and quality of life.
“Back in November I used a member’s debate in Holyrood to call on the Scottish Government to do more to support people back to work who are living with arthritis”.