Dominic McNamara, NASS Swindon branch, Robert Buckland MP, Jane Skerrett, Director of NASS,
Justin Tomlinson MP, Hedley Hamilton, Chairman of the NASS trustees.
It was a bitingly cold day with a sharp wind but there was indeed a warm welcome at Dining Room A in the House of Commons for everyone attending the very first NASS reception for our members and supporters, all of whom had battled through the uncertain weather conditions to be there on teh day. The event was hosted by the MP Andrew George who himself has AS and who speaks from personal experience when he talks to NASS members.
A number of MPs also attended to hear at first hand from a constituent about living with AS, the work of their local NASS branch and the local facilities for people with AS. The NASS trustees and staff of NASS were very pleased to welcome them and to have the opportunity to raise awareness of ankylosing spondylitis and the work of NASS. We were especially delighted to welcome Justin Tomlinson MP for North Swindon and Robert Buckland MP for South Swindon who were able to discuss with NASS member Dominic McNamara, from the Swindon branch of NASS, both the local situation in Swindon for people with AS and the national issues.
Andrew George introduced the NASS Chairman, Hedley Hamilton, who thanked the many NASS donors, supporters, volunteers from the branches and health professionals present for all their hard work and generosity in helping to make 2010 a year of very special achievement for NASS.
The highlights of the year have included the launch of the Looking Ahead report; our first ever World AS day event - NASS en Masse; the publication of the new exercise pack, Back to Action and the completion of our new website.
Professor Paul Wordsworth finished the speeches by focusing on the dramatic advances that have taken place in recent years, both in treating AS and in our understanding of the genetics of the condition.
Justin Tomlinson MP, "I am very supportive of this charity. I have spoken to a number of local residents who have said they are making a real difference to their lives. We have much to do to help not only the symptons to be identified quickly, but adequate support and care being put into place."
Justin Tomlinson MP with Liz Ledger, Swindon Representative of NASS and
Jane Skerrett, Director of NASS at an earlier Parliamentary meeting in September