As Roger wanted to donate his body for medical research, particularly into Polyartertis Nodosa, and has not been able to do so, we felt that a donation to Arthritis Research UK (who support and research the illness) was the next best option.

Roger suffered from Polyarteritis Nodosa for the past 22 years and, as it is a rare illness, knowledge of the illness, its cause, treatment and cure is limited.  We have been lucky to be supported by a very knowledgeable consultant (Dr Michael Webley) during this period, whose efforts extended Roger's life expectancy.  Roger was the longest surviving person in the UK suffering from this condition.

We have provided an overview of Arthritis Research UK's description of the illness below:

"This condition is now known as classic polyarteritis nodosa ... The medium-sized arteries are inflamed, particularly those supplying the gut and kidneys.  This may only affect part of the wall of the artery, which becomes weak and may bulge, forming an aneurysm.  If it bursts it can cause serious internal bleeding.  Alternatively, it can involve the whole wall of the artery at a particular point, which causes a blockage.  This serious disease is fortunately rare - less than five people per million per year develop it (... new cases per year)."

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page and for your donation.  We know that it will be put towards valuable research into this rare condition.

Best wishes

Cynthia, David and Yvonne Harris 

 

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