News - February

A new programme of independent eczema research - 26/2/09

Research into eczema is set to receive a huge boost following the news that the Centre of Evidence-Based Dermatology at the University of Nottingham has been awarded a £2 million research funding award.

Part of this research programme will examine eczema prevention and treatment (as well as other disease areas such as skin cancer and vitiligo).

For more details about the research and how you can get involved then click HERE to access the article from the recently published March 2009 edition of Exchange magazine.

New book on eczema published
50 Things You can Do Today to Manage Eczema - 24/2/09

This latest book by Wendy Green and published by Summersdale, looks at psychological, dietary and hormonal factors that can cause eczema, and offers practical advice and a holistic approach to help you deal with the symptoms, including simple lifestyle and dietary changes and DIY natural therapies.

Topics covered include:

• Manage stress to prevent flare-ups
• Learn how to adapt your home environment
• Choose beneficial foods and supplements
• Find helpful organisations and products

For those interested, copies are available at Amazon, Tesco or via the book publisher Summersdale.

Do you live in Hull or surrounding areas? - 16/2/09

Helen Meyer, a student on the University of Hull, BSc Psychology with Counselling programme is looking for volunteers who are willing to give up about an hour of their time and are able to get to the University of Hull to talk about their experience of eczema. The participation involves a discussion about living with eczema and has received ethical approval from the University. All information will be confidential.
If you are able to help, please email Helen on helen_j_meyer@yahoo.co.uk for more information.

Barbara makes her writing debut - 13/2/09

Four years in the making, Itching to Climb is the fascinating life story of long-standing supporter of the National Eczema Society, Barbara James. Tales of rock climbing and learning to fly are intertwined with compelling anecdotes of solo travel. The epitome of someone who has never let their eczema hold them back, Barbara’s adventures belie her chronic and, at times, debilitating condition.

Published on the 12th February, the book is an inspiring read, especially for young people and their parents, offering hope and encouragement that improvement of the condition is ahead.

Throughout the book, Barbara’s eczema is the backdrop to the story not the story itself or, in her own words, “my book is not a grim read about the horrors of the unstoppable, exhausting itch!”

Entertaining and uplifting, ‘Itching to Climb’ chronicles a lifetime of adventures in Barbara’s own unique style. Priced at £8.99, copies can be ordered online by clicking HERE.

“I’ve never let eczema stand in my way or stop me from living the way I want and I take my hat off to Barbara and all she has achieved."
RICKY TOMLINSON

Our thanks to Bromley Red Hatters - 13/2/09

The Bromley Red Hatters raised £203 for the National Eczema Society in 2008 through a collection of outings, coffee mornings, gift and card sales as well as a fish-and-chip supper. The group, led by Margaret Smith, made the NES their charity of the year and our thanks to everyone involved for their hard work. For more information on the Red Hatters, visit http://www.britishredhatters.co.uk.

Royal Society of Medicine event in May - 10/2/09

The Royal Society of Medicine is holding a meeting entitled Issues in Clinical Dermatology on Friday 15th May. This event, aimed at healthcare professionals rather than members of the public, is at the UBHT Education Centre, Upper Mauldin, Bristol and bookings are now being taken. Click here for a link through to the Society’s website for all the relevant details.

Paintball tickets winner - 10/2/09

Congratulations to JAMES FOWKES from Lancing, West Sussex for winning the eight paintball tickets on offer through the website’s debut competition. James correctly identified the National Eczema Society freephone Helpline number as 0800 089 1122.

Bad luck to those that missed out this time, do check back on our website for more competitions and prizes in the future.

London Marathon 2009 - 2/2/09

The London Marathon 2009 will take place on 26th April and this will be the last year that Flora will be the organiser for the event with Virgin taking over the reins in 2010. The event, which attracted 92,000 runners in 2008, is an important and popular event in the fundraising calendar for the National Eczema Society and anyone is welcome to run for our charity. Below are the list of runners currently taking part and raising money for us, you can visit their fundraising websites to learn more about them and their experience of eczema.

Ben Brookshaw - http://www.justgiving.com/benbrookshaw

John Hallett - http://www.justgiving.com/johnhallett

Paul Fairhurst - http://www.justgiving.com/paulfairhurst

Lindsay Smith - http://www.justgiving.com/lindsay-runs-marathon-for-kids-with-eczema

Tracey Begley - http://www.justgiving.com/traceybegley

Carol Shaw - http://www.justgiving.com/carolshaw1

Steve Taylor - http://www.justgiving.com/stetaylor

Richard Herbert - http://www.justgiving.com/richardherbert1

Want to raise money for the National Eczema Society in this year’s race?

If you are interested in raising money for the National Eczema Society then get in touch with us for sponsorship forms, support and advice. You can call us on: 020 7281 3553 or email fundraising@eczema.org.