Five things…
So, it’s less than five weeks until the Black and Red Ball 2016. This year’s headline act is Five. We have encapsulated we do at the charity into five key points. Please take five minutes to read it over.
- Support Services
LCTF organise patient support groups in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen as well and having an online support centre. On our website you will find information on the different types of vasculitis, patient forums, advice on diet, lifestyle and relaxation, as well as a 24hr support phone number.
- The Twilight Cabin
Since 2013, LCTF has provided funded respite breaks for people affected by vasculitis. Situated near Dalavich in Argyllshire, the Twilight Cabin overlooks Loch Awe provides an authentic log cabin experience which is an ideal base to explore Argyll & Bute and the stunning west coast of Scotland. The cabin is self-catering and can be booked for a weekend or a full week depending on availability.
- Research
The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation also funds research. Vasculitis is rare and medical professionals throughout the world are working tirelessly to learn more about the illness, which could lead to quicker diagnosis. Work is also ongoing to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments. LCTF currently fund two projects with the University of Aberdeen – studying the evolution and pathophysiology of autoimmune disease, and a Quality of Life study for people with ANCA-associated vasculitis. We have also contributed to a paediatric drug trial and a diet & nutrition study.
- Awareness
Raising awareness is hugely important. Vasculitis is rare and can be difficult to diagnose so increasing knowledge and understanding within in the general public and the medical community is crucial. The charity is active on Facebook and Twitter (we blog too)and we organise annual events like the Vasculitis Awareness 5k and our marquee Black & Red Ball. (have you heard? Five are headlining, you should come along). The charity also sponsors educational programmes such the British Society of Rheumatology’s vasculitis webinar series.
- Fundraising
The fundraising efforts of our supporters allow us to continue to fund support services and awareness events. So, thank you if you have donated to LCTF at some point. Thank you if you nominated us as your chosen charity. Thanks if you have attended our events and bought tickets. Simply put, we couldn’t do what we do as a charity if it wasn’t for these donations. We are very grateful. The charity is racing towards a milestone of raising £500k and the support of individuals and organisations has been crucial in the last six years.
Every little helps, with every social media follower, retweet or mention, awareness and understanding of vasculitis is increased. Please continue to help us amplify our message across the web and through word of mouth because it really makes a difference.
So, hopefully these five points have inspired you to help us reach five hundred thousand pounds. Why don’t you sign up for our 5k fun run next year or buy a ticket, or five, for our fifth Black & Red Ball (it’s actually our sixth, but you get the point ), where we have booked Five to perform.
