Llanrwst woman won't let arthritis stop her fund-raising

Sep 23 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

ARTHRITIS Research UK is calling on residents of Llanrwst to supports its vital work by following the example of local arthritis sufferer Donna Jones.

“Donna Jones and her friends and family have been a tremendous support,” said regional fundraising manager Ruth Owen.

“Our loyal members in Llanrwst have been supporting the charity for over 30 years and in that time have raised over £18,000, but as the youngest branch member is now in her 80s we are hoping a few new supporters will come forward and follow Donna’s example by getting involved with fundraising activities.”

Donna, from Glanrafon in Llanrwst, was first diagnosed 20 years ago when she was just 11. While many believe arthritis is a disease that comes with age, more than 12,000 children suffer the pain and disability of the childhood form of the condition, juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Donna suffers chronic pain and has already undergone elbow and wrist replacement surgery, though the drugs she is prescribed keep the disease under control.

Ruth added: “Rather than letting it get her down it has made her more determined to get on with life.

“Donna has walked the Llangollen Canal, abseiled 200ft down the Liver Building in Liverpool and last year completed the Great North Run in aid of Arthritis Research UK.

“She and her friends have raised over £1,500 since 2005 for arthritis research.”

Contact Ruth Owen on 01492 518760 or 07736 157800, e-mail r.owen@arthritisresearchuk.org or go to arthritisresearchuk.org