Ranil Jayawardena has pledged to fight alongside Arthritis Research UK for the thousands of local people in North East Hampshire living every day with the pain of arthritis. Ranil has joined forces with Arthritis Research UK and agreed to become an ‘Arthritis Champion’, supporting the charity’s ‘Prevent, Transform, Cure’ manifesto. Musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, back pain and osteoporosis are the single biggest cause of disability and pain across the country, 10 million people in the UK are in pain right now because of arthritis. The pain, fatigue and lack of mobility prevents millions of people doing simple tasks such as making a cup of tea or walking to the shops. The manifesto called for an end to the myth that nothing can be done for people with arthritis.
Ranil said: 'I’m proud to be an Arthritis Champion for the thousands of local people living with the pain of arthritis. We need to ensure Parliament knows about the issues that people with arthritis face. Today I’ve learnt more about the vital work of Arthritis Research UK and heard first-hand about some of the challenges people living with the condition face daily.'
Dr Liam O’Toole, chief executive officer of Arthritis Research UK, said: 'I’m delighted that Ranil has become our latest Arthritis Champion. The support of our champions is paramount to highlight the needs of people with arthritis.'