Dedicated arthritis campaigner appointed as patron

Arthritis Research UK is announcing the support of a new patron – Sue Arnott, a rheumatoid arthritis patient and former Trustee of the charity.

Dr Liam O'Toole, chief executive of Arthritis Research UK commented, "We're delighted to have the support of Sue Arnott, who has made a huge contribution to our charity as a Trustee. We warmly welcome her contribution to our work in leading the fight against arthritis."

In her role as patron of the charity, Sue Arnott will be working with the fundraising team, as well as policy and communications, to help raise awareness of Arthritis Research UK and its work.

Sue became a Trustee of Arthritis Research UK in 2002, having had rheumatoid arthritis for most of her adult life, She is the company secretary of CMA Moldform Limited, on the Members Council of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Birmingham and is an active member of the Edgbaston branch fundraising committee for Arthritis Research UK.

She said, "Over the years I’ve taken numerous drugs, been in and out of hospital, and had three knee replacements, a new hip and other surgical repairs to my damaged joints. I've nearly died from septicaemia twice. And people say 'arthritis is just aches and pains'!"

Sue commented on her appointment as patron, "I'm proud of my association with Arthritis Research UK and immensely honoured to have been made a patron. I believe passionately in this charity, and in the power of research. Research is the only way to make a better life possible for all arthritis sufferers. That's why I speak, volunteer and fundraise for Arthritis Research UK."

One of Arthritis Research UK's big successes has been finding a completely new type of drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, which has revolutionised the treatment for millions around the world.

But as Sue pointed out, "There are more than 200 different types of arthritis and related conditions that attack joints, muscles and bones, affecting more than ten million people in the UK. New treatments are desperately needed for those conditions too."