 The 2009
LUPUS UK AGM & Conference was opened by Yvonne Norton, Chair
West Midlands Lupus Group, who gave a ‘potted guide’ to the
areas covered by WMLG and gave everyone a warm welcome to
Stoke-on-Trent.
There was an excellent line-up of medical Speakers.
Prof. Caroline Gordon spoke on Lupus and Pregnancy and gave
hope to those who have Lupus and are taking large amounts of
medication and also want a family.
The second Speaker, Dr. John Hamburger, spoke about Lupus
and the Mouth. He gave lots of useful advice to those who
suffer from such things as mouth ulcers and was pleased to
answer questions from delegates.
After a short refreshment break, Dr. Michael Beresford spoke
about Lupus in Children and Adolescents, explaining that the
symptoms experienced by young people are much worse than
when experienced by older Lupus patients. Dr. Beresford then
introduced Declan and his Mum, Melanie.
Melanie explained that Declan was diagnosed with Juvenile
SLE at 2½years of age and has gone through many rough phases
involving surgery, injections – he doesn’t like ‘needles’! –
and takes considerable amounts of medication but he doesn’t
let it get him down. She spoke about the effects Lupus has
on the family and how they cope with having a child with
Lupus.
Then Declan spoke about his life and how, with the help of
his family and school, he copes with having Lupus.
Declan’s view is ‘Lupus is horrible but I’ve got it, so I
have to get on with it.’
When Declan stopped speaking there wasn’t a dry eye in the
house!
Dr. Beresford concluded his Talk with emotion – it was hard
following Declan!
The LUPUS UK Annual General Meeting then took place with
Tina Stemp giving her first Conference Report as National
Treasurer.
Prior to lunch, a reminder was given to delegates to take
part in the mass text project to publicise World Lupus Day.
During lunch, all talk was about the brave boy, Declan, and
his lovely Mum.
Following lunch, the afternoon session was opened by Janet
Dean MP, National Patron and Chair APPG for Lupus. Janet
underlined her support for LUPUS UK, WMLG and all Lupus
patients. Janet confirmed that she will not stand for
Parliament at the next general election so, therefore, will
be stepping down as Chair of the APPG, but will do her best
to ensure the continuation of the APPG and will still
support LUPUS UK/WMLG.
Dr. Sanjeet Kamath then took to the rostrum to speak about
Lupus and Medication. He gave an overview of the various
medications available and the effects they can have on Lupus
patients. As with the previous Speakers, Dr. Kamath was
pleased to respond to questions.
The Conference was brought to a close with a performance by
Norman Wheatley, WMLG Member/Supporter, who sang and played
guitar, treating the audience to a mix of songs, some being
written by himself and others being well-known numbers,
mainly from the 60’s.
Following the Raffle Draw, Yvonne Norton thanked everyone
for attending the Conference and supporting WMLG/LUPUS UK.
Jane Dunnage, Chair LUPUS UK, ended the day by informing
everyone that the 2010 LUPUS UK AGM & National Conference
will take place in Harrogate with the Yorkshire Group being
host.
A full report of the medical Talks will be reproduced in
News & Views.
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LUPUS UK ANNUAL CONVENTION 2009
