Fibromyalgia Awareness Week 2019

Monday 6th May marked Fibromyalgia Awareness Week in Scotland.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome which impacts the central nervous system and has over 200 symptoms and overlapping conditions. Some of these include; chronic pain, muscle spasms, sleep disorders, mental health and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

In Ayrshire, the group Fibromyalgia Friends United Scotland offer a range of different support networks for people suffering from the disease. In preparation for Fibromyalgia Awareness Week, Alan Brown MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun met with representatives from the social enterprise.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

“I recently met with Alison (McColl) and Sharon (Turnbull) from Fibro Friends United Scotland who operate outreach groups in my constituency. Groups like Fibro Friends United are so vital in not only being there to raise awareness but to assist those with Fibromyalgia.

“They bring sufferers together and the value in this cannot be underestimated. Those affected have the opportunity to discuss their illness with others who truly understand what they’re going through.

“Fibromyalgia is a disease where those affected feel chronic pain all over their bodies. Given it is an illness which is difficult to diagnose, and one that can affect anyone, clearly there has to be more attention and awareness drawn to Fibromyalgia and that is why I fully support Fibromyalgia Awareness Week as I believe it is imperative everyone has a duty to educate themselves on the symptoms and potential causes of this condition.”

After FFUS meeting with the MP it has been confirmed that East Ayrshire Council will light up the clock on John Finnie Street purple on Saturday 11th May and Saturday 12th May to mark the occasion. Across the country other landmarks such as; The Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel, Camera Obscura and Titan Crane will also be lit up to commemorate Fibromyalgia awareness.