NASS en Masse (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

NASS en Masse

8:32am Tuesday 19th January 2010 in

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By Community Correspondent by David Wimblett

NASS en Masse is the name given to a charity 10km walk run by The National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society based in Richmond. This will be their first sponsored walk and will take place in the beautiful landscape of Richmond Park early in May.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a progressive inflammatory arthritic disease that can cause irreversible fusing of the spine. It can also effect the eyes, lungs, bowel and heart. The most common early symptom is lower back pain and, as this is a very common ailment, the disease is difficult to diagnose.

The symptoms of AS usually start in the late teens and early twenties and sadly there is no cure. With around 200,000 people in the UK already diagnosed, funding is critical to help those with the disease and also to carry out research. Currently, being well informed about AS and having the correct exercise programme are the best way of living with the disease.

The walk is on Sunday 9th May 2010 in Richmond Park. As well as a 10km walk there is also a 5km walk - ideal for families with young children. Entry costs £7.50 and registration forms can be downloaded from the NASS website: www.nass.co.uk If you would like to make the first NASS en Masse 10km charity walk a great success, and help this local charity with its work, please get your friends together and enter. More information can be obtained from the NASS office on 020 8948 9117

Written by David Wimblett, Director of Imperial Printers (Twickenham) and BNI Area Director.