I had never heard of haemochromatosis until my sister in France was diagnosed with it last September. I joined the charity initially to get advice to send to her. I have now been diagnosed and the information sent to me was a great source of advice and also relief as it answered a lot of my worries. I was able to talk to the specialist nurse Diogo who steered me to get the right tests and also to interpret my results. I cannot stress how invaluable this was to me in the initial stages when I was desperate for advice but had to wait 4 weeks for a telephone appointment with my GP's surgery.

It is so important to spread the word so that people with the condition get diagnosed early before serious damage is done. Please help me with my fundraising.

I have organised a FUND RAISING dinner at THE GURKHA restaurant Woodcock Hill EAST GRINSTEAD RH19 2RE on Monday 4th July at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Dinner will be £20 which includes a £6 donation to Haemochromatosis UK. To book a table please ring 01342 325325. Brigid Armstrong