A coffee and cakes morning in aid of the British Sjogren’s Syndrome Association is aiming to not only raise money for research into the rare disease, but also to bring sufferers together.
The fundraiser is being organised by Gretchen Chidwick, who has the debilitating autoimmune condition and is keen to set up a support group in Hemel Hempstead.
Gretchen said: “It can be upsetting when you are first told you have Sjogren’s, because most people have never heard of it, and it is quite a weird name. You do feel isolated, but meeting others can give you the strength to go on.”
Organisers hope that bringing together sufferers will allow the group to grow. They eventually plan to invite speakers on the condition, which causes fatigue, joint and muscle pain and eye and mouth irritation.
The coffee morning is on Saturday from 10am to 11.30am at Hemel Hempstead Methodist Church, Marlowes. More at www.bssa.uk.net.