Rowen Highlights Arthritis Campaign

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, who was made an honorary member of the board of trustees for the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) back in May of this year, spent the day at their HQ in Chesterfield to learn more about the work they carry out.

The Arthritis Research Campaign was founded in 1936 and raises funds to promote medical research into the cause, treatment and cure of arthritic conditions. It also aims educate medical students, doctors and allied healthcare professionals about arthritis and to provide information to the general public.

ARC is the fourth largest medical research charity in the UK and the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to investigating arthritis in all its forms. Millions of pounds are provided every year for grants funding research, education and training.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: "It was an absolute honour to be chosen as a trustee of the campaign earlier this year and it was great to get the chance to have a good look round and meet some of the people involved in the campaign. I was taken around the various departments including research, press and graphics and they really do have a hard working and dedicated team.

Mr Rowen added: "It's important to remember that Arthritis is a disease which doesn't only affect the older people of our community but also the young. A large number of people across the UK are affected by arthritis and I will certainly be working hard on behalf of the campaign to highlight the main issues surrounding arthritis."

Professor Alan Silman of the Arthritis Research Campaign said: "It's fantastic to have Paul Rowen MP supporting our campaign. Our strategy is to focus on, and invest heavily in, activities designed to accelerate significantly the development and adoption of new treatments and techniques which will have an immediate impact on the lives of people who are affected by arthritis. Having Paul on board certainly helps us to highlight our cause both locally in Rochdale and nationally in Parliament."