Thank you, Plymouth NASS, for raising £2000 for the Physiotherapy Unit at UHP

It was lovely to join the Plymouth branch of the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) for a cheque presentation to the Physiotherapy team at University Hospitals Plymouth.

This gift is the result of months of community fundraising, including the group’s much-loved annual treasure hunt. It’s their way of thanking the Physiotherapy team for providing weekly exercise sessions that support people living with axial SpA.

Clive Hemsley, branch Chairman, credits the sessions with helping him stay active and positive.

“We fundraise throughout the year as a way to give back to the hospital,” Clive explains. “There are about 80 NASS branches across the country, and not all of them are lucky enough to have access to hospital facilities.”

The classes combine stretching, mobility work and simple exercises to help people self-manage their symptoms. During COVID-19, when meeting face to face wasn’t possible, this advice and support network became invaluable.

Some sessions take place in the gym, while others are held in the hydropool, all led by an NHS physiotherapist who understands the condition and the challenges that come with it. Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis can feel isolating at times — “Most people don’t know much about it,” Clive says. “So, it’s nice to get out, have a social stretch and meet others who understand.”

“Laughter is the best medicine,” Clive adds. “The sessions are fun and have helped everyone, not only physically but mentally too.”

Albert, the hi-fi system, funded by donations from Plymouth NASS

This generous donation will help purchase new gym and hydrotherapy equipment, supporting patients for years to come. It follows previous fundraising for a hi-fi system for the gym that they named Albert in honour of Plymouth NASS’s longest member and most successful fundraiser, Albert Dann.

Thank you Plymouth NASS!