#WearPurpleForJIA chooses to support NRAS and our JIA service as their chosen charity

18 March 2016

The campaign, now in its second year, was launched to raise both awareness of JIA and arthritis in Children and much needed funds for charities supporting these families affected by the disease. On Friday 6th May, we’re encouraging everyone to wear purple and raise awareness and funds for JIA.

Lynette Haselip, started #WearPurpleForJIA alongside another JIA mum Sarah Evans:

We felt that there is not enough recognition for JIA and the amazing work that charities do for JIA. We wanted to do something fun that everyone can get involved in whist raising much needed funds for JIA related charities, especially as there is not many really about. As a JIA mum it can be very lonely and frustrating as people assume arthritis only effects older people, so to let as many people know as possible that children do get arthritis too I thought would be great. We are delighted to be supporting the fantastic work of NRAS and their JIA service, which is delivering new and exciting support packages, helping families with JIA.

To find out more about the campaign and to share your plans for Friday 6th May, join the conversation on the Campaign’s Facebook page.

Anne Gilbert, JIA Youth and Family Services Manager, said of the campaign:

We are delighted and thrilled to be the chosen charity of the #WearPurpleforJIA 2016 Campaign. Lynette and Sara are doing fantastic work helping to spread awareness of the seriousness of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and are making real headway in helping people to understand that arthritis affects people of all ages. Their fundraising for us will go a long way to directly supporting families affected by this disease. Thank you so much.