Published: 01/09/2019
Our Watton branch have recently supported Softbones UK, a new charity which supports families diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Hypophosphatasia (HPP).The condition affects a person’s bones, causing them to be weak and to soften, due to low levels of a mineralization enzyme. This means that adult and children sufferers can experience bone deformities and/or fractures, as well as joint aches and pains.
Sowerbys offered to support Softbones UK when they became aware of fundraising taking place in Norfolk to support local man Matthew Artherton, who was diagnosed with HPP in the summer of 2018. Matthew’s family were fundraising to help the charity to support research into the condition, as well as education and awareness raising.
All the funds being raised will help the Charity provide information packs to newly diagnosed patients and their families, as well as provide annual meet up opportunities for those diagnosed with the condition. We have donated £180 to Softbones UK to help them set up a fundraising profile with Virgin Money Giving which, in turn, will help supporters to raise more funds.
Matthew said, “Thanks to Sowerbys the Charity can create an online fundraising presence, meaning that we can encourage more people to get involved and raise much needed funds”.
Branch Manager, Laura Bond, said “We are really pleased to be able to support Softbones UK in this way. It is hard for new charities to raise funds in order to set up an online profile, as this diverts money from direct support to families. We hope by paying the registration fees in this instance the Charity will benefit from more community fundraising initiatives.
Find out more about Softbones UK here.