It was good to have the time to talk to them informally and we are grateful that they took the time out of their busy schedule to attend. We were also delighted that Rob Wilson, MP for Reading East and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fibromyalgia could attend as did Alok Sharma, local prospective parliamentary candidate for Reading West.

The Mayor welcomed us to his Parlour and wished us a successful awareness event. He then introduced Rob Wilson, MP. Rob began by saying that he was often asked how he got involved with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fibromyalgia and he tells the following story:

When he was campaigning for the Reading East seat in 2005 he was ‘door-stepped’ by this lady who talked to him about fibromyalgia. Labour held Reading East at that time and Jayne Griffiths had been Secretary of the APPG. This lady asked him if he would be prepared to take on the APPG if he was elected. Of course he said ‘yes’ and when he was elected he kept his word. He then named and shamed this lady – Jean Turner!

Rob went on to talk about the APPG and briefly restated his request that everyone around the country contact their local MP to encourage them to join the APPG so that we can raise the awareness of FM.

[Contrary to popular belief, the APPG is not owned by FMA UK but by the MPs themselves. FMA UK has a lot of input and we work extremely closely with them but the main emphasis is to educate and inform MPs about FM and encourage them to attend APPGs, this is the way forward and the only way to make it a success and get us noticed. ]

Alok Sharma then made a presentation of sponsor money he and his friends had raised during their cycle ride around the Reading West constituency in July to raise awareness of FM. This has now been donated to FMA UK, a total of £160. Our very grateful thanks.

ean then presented the Mayor with a small bowl engraved with the FMA UK logo as our thank you for allowing us to hold our awareness event at the Civic Offices. 

Before everyone was let loose on the buffet, Sue Tait was invited to cut the cake as co-founder of the group in 1994. Sadly, our good friend and co-founder Monica Montague lost her extremely brave fight against cancer in 2003, she is greatly missed.

The evening then continued with us circulating; chatting with our guests and attacking the buffet - a great time was had by all.

Jean Turner

Chairman

Reading Fibromyalgia Support Group