RSA Parliamentary Reception
Wednesday 1st February 2012
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am delighted to be sponsoring this Reception in Parliament, today, which celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association – a charity which I am delighted to have based in Alsager within my Congleton Constituency. This function was the first, which I booked with the Banqueting Office, shortly after my election in 2010 and I am at a loss to know where the time has gone!
Under the inspirational direction of Anne Mawdsley, the RSA has increased awareness of Raynaud’s and scleroderma, developed better communication between doctors and patients, made advancements in research, treatment and care and seen mortality rates decrease.
Today’s Reception in the magnificent setting of the Terrace Pavilion, on the banks of the Thames and at the seat of Government, is a chance to celebrate the achievements of the past 30 years. An achievement which has not gone unnoticed by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, who wrote to Anne earlier this week, saying:
‘Please accept our congratulations to you and all of your team at the Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association as you mark its 30th Anniversary.
We are pleased to offer you are continued support. Your role is vital in supporting people with these often little known and poorly understood conditions, in improving their health, their quality of life and outcomes.
We wish you every success for the future’.
After 30 years, the RSA does not rest on its laurels and is committed to offering even greater support to those suffering from both of these conditions.
I was delighted to launch the Cool Million campaign back in August 2010; a campaign which seeks to invest in new research. At the last count the total was £500,000 – an outstanding achievement and testament to the dedication and commitment of the RSA’s supporters. You may have noticed the donation box on the information table on your way in and if you would like to contribute to the campaign, your support would be most grateful!!
The dedication and commitment of supporters is always highlighted in Hot News, the RSA’s magazine which brings us all up to date on medical developments, fundraising activities and the wide-ranging network of support which is available across the country; from Fife to Eastleigh; Suffolk to Bristol.
One of the main features of Hot News is the Doc Spot, which is written by Professor Chris Denton, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Royal Free Hospital. I have been asked especially to thank Chris for the devotion he has shown to working with Raynaud’s and scleroderma patients. He is of tremendous value to the RSA and works alongside Anne to answer patient’s questions on a day to day basis.
Today, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for attending this Reception. Thank you for all you have done for the RSA and more importantly, thank you for all that you will do in the future to support this remarkable charity and its extremely important work.
I am now delighted to be able to introduce Professor Dame Carol Black, President of the RSA and who has been so supportive to Anne and her team over the past 30 years.
