I was delighted to attend a ‘Brew for 22q’ event yesterday in Banff. The event was organised by local resident and recently appointed trustee of the charity Max Appeal Scotland, Louise Henderson.
I first became aware of the condition, 22q11 Syndrome, when Louise visited one of my surgeries with her son Alfie. I was amazed and surprised that there was so little awareness of such a relatively prevalent condition (conservative estimates suggest more than 1 in 1,500 births).
Since then, I have been doing all I can to increase awareness of the condition, as well as lobbying for increased screening for the condition. I became chair of an All Party Political Group for the condition, raised a 10 minute rule motion and have made representations to Ministers, including Heath Secretary, Matt Hancock MP.
As with many health issues, if diagnosed early enough, the condition can be managed with a range if treatments and interventions. If managed effectively, with full awareness by parents, teachers and GPs, avoidable complications later in life can be reduced.
Congratulations to Louise for raising over £340 at yesterday’s event and thanks again for inviting me.
For more information on the condition, please visit; www.maxappeal.org.uk