RAYNAUD'S AND SCLERODERMA ASSOCIATION'S 25th ANNIVERSARY

Early day motion 839, tabled 6 February 2007 by Ann Winterton (Conservative). Signed by 60 members.

That this House congratulates the Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association on its Silver Jubilee; pays tribute to its valuable work over the past 25 years supporting people with Raynaud's and scleroderma; understands that Raynaud's is a distressing condition where blood supply to the extremities, usually the fingers and toes, is interrupted resulting in them becoming white and dead-looking; recognises that this condition can cause extreme pain, and in severe cases when associated with scleroderma may result in persistent finger ulcers, infection and even amputation; notes that Raynaud's affects over 10 million people, mainly women, in the United Kingdom; further understands that scleroderma is a much more serious, potentially fatal disease of the immune system, blood vessels and connective tissue in which the circulation is greatly impaired and Raynaud's is usually the first symptom; further recognises that in this condition the skin, usually the hands and feet, become stiff, tight, leathery and shiny; further notes that scleroderma affects approximately 7,000 people in the UK and there is no cure; applauds the charity for its efforts in raising over £9 million for welfare and research projects; and wishes the Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association every success for the next 25 years.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Liberal Democrat 17, Conservative 11, DUP 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.