Ross-shire mum steps out in memory of dad to back support group fighting inflammatory disease Axial SpA
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A ROSS-SHIRE mum and teacher is stepping out to raise funds for a support group tackling a rare condition.
Kirsteen MacLennan, whose dad Hamish Menzies, lived with axial Spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) hopes to raise money for NASS, a support group, who help sufferers manage their condition.
Mr Menzies sadly passed away earlier this year.
The Step Forward for AS fundraising campaign this year invites people to "go orange for October" to raise awareness of the condition.
In her fundraising story on givepenny.com. Mrs MacLennan, who is also the conductor of the Black Isle Gaelic Choir, said: "One in 200 people in the UK lives with axial Spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), yet 91 per cent of the population has never heard of the condition.
"My dear dad lived with his condition without complaint for 55 years and was a driving force behind his local branch of NASS in Dingwall.
"He was instrumental in supporting and contributing to every fundraising and social event with his infectious humour, kindness and larger than life character."
Axial SpA is an inflammatory disease of the spine and joints.
Mrs MacLennan continued:"It’s invisible and leaves people feeling powerless, in increasing pain and extreme exhaustion. It’s progressive, so every year that passes without treatment can lead to more serious damage. If left untreated, it can freeze the spine and permanently fuse bones.
"I'm going to Step Forward on October 9 and 10 2021 while wearing orange to raise awareness about axial SpA and funds to support everyone to tackle the challenges of living with the condition sooner.
"Together, with my husband Jamie, sons Finlay and Hector and dog Flora, we will walk a total of 55 miles - a mile for each year my Dad was diagnosed with axial SpA - because NASS does some amazing work.
"Every penny we raise will make a huge difference, and every step we take will be in memory of my Dad, Hamish Menzies."
Adding that £10 can enable the NASS Helpline Team to provide vital support to someone affected by axial SpA, £50 can help us raise awareness about the symptoms of axial SpA, while £100 can contribute towards the cost of weekly My AS My Life sessions to help people living with axial SpA manage their symptoms, she said: "Please help me help others living with this condition."
To donate to the campaign, visit https://givepenny.com/kirsteenmaclennan_step_forward_for_as_walk
