Charity event raises £400 for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Rachel Winnard at her charity event

A charity event has raised £400 to help with research into the condition Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP).

Organised and held by Rachel Winnard who suffers from the condition, the event held at DeWine Bar on Saturday 6 September included a raffle, disco and buffet provided by Tattersalls bakery in Wardle.

Rachel said: “I am really pleased with how it went and I am really pleased with the money we raised. The event was all very last minute as it was only decided on a few weeks ago so I am very happy.”

FOP is a very rare condition in which muscle tissue and connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments are gradually replaced by bone, forming bone outside of the skeleton that constrains movement.

Rachel, from Shawclough added: “It was more about raising awareness of the condition than anything.”

The money raised from the event will now be sent to Oxford University to help with research currently being undertaken.

Led by Professor James Triffit and Dr Alex Bullock and their team, Oxford University is one of the few institutions currently conducting research into FOP. In 2006, the team played a vital role in the discovery of the gene that causes the disease and are now searching to find the symptoms of FOP as well as a cure.

Rachel currently doesn’t have plans for any more fundraising events but is supporting an event in Norden being held to support FOP. She said: “It’s not organised by me but I do know of a bingo event in Norden that is raising money for FOP so that’s good. It’s all a step in the right direction.”