Bannatyne Group
CORONATION STREET ACTOR BACKS PETITION FOR NHS SUPPORT FOR LITTLE KNOWN CONDITION
Cherylee Houston, who plays Izzy Armstrong in ITV soap Coronation Street, is backing a petition to secure NHS funding for the diagnosis and treatment of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
The actor, who has been honest about her difficulties living with the condition, joined campaigner Fran Heley on her coast-to-coast walk to raise awareness of EDS and to gain signatures on a petition from The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK charity to secure funded NHS support for others with the illness.
Fran is walking 200 miles as part of her support of the #EnoughIsEnough campaign, visiting Bannatyne Health Clubs on the route after the company backed her efforts. She is a member at the Bannatyne Health Club Cardigan Fields, Leeds, and uses the facilities thereto help manage her symptoms.
Cherylee joined Fran for part of the route in Lancashire, inspiring her to push on through the incredible journey, which began on Blackpool beach on 13th August and will conclude on Cleethorpes beach on 27th August encompassing visits to eight Bannatyne health clubs.
Earlier this year, Fran undertook a similar expedition, walking from Leeds Town Hall to Westminster over 18 days to highlight the start of the petition which has already garnered over 17,000 signatures, with aspirations to reach 100,000 by the November deadline to secure a debate in the House of Commons. The lack of national funding and limited understanding among medical professionals about EDS, which affects around 1 in 500people,necessitatesthis campaign.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, along with the related Hyper-mobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), affects connective tissue, leading to symptoms such as chronic pain, severe fatigue, easily dislocated joints, and gastric disorders amongst many more. The symptoms can vary significantly even among family members, making early diagnosis challenging.
Cherylee Houston said: “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a serious and wide-ranging illness which impacts every aspect of the lives of people who live with it. It’s estimated that one in five hundred people have it, and many of them don’t realise purely because it is not a well-known illness, even amongst medical professionals, never mind the general public.
“Fran’s efforts to bring EDS into the consciousness of the public and the politicians who set healthcare funding is amazing. She is doing so much for the EDS community and I am proud to be able to give her my support ahead of her long journey back to Leeds.”
Fran Heley said: “I am so happy to have met Cherylee and talk with her about what we can do to raise more awareness about EDS and to get the support that many of us need.
“Cherylee has been an amazing ambassador for everyone with EDS simply by being visible in the media and not shying away when talking about her own experiences of the illness. I am so proud to have her backing and hope that it makes the people in charge take notice, and provide the care and support that so many people need – and deserve.”
Kevin Easley, the general manager at Bannatyne Health Club Cardigan Fields Leeds, praised Fran's commitment, stating, “I have been totally inspired by Fran’s commitment to putting EDS on the radar of the government and public. To now have the backing of a star like Cherylee is amazing and I hope it helps to raise awareness of Fran’s petition. I’m pleased that the Bannatyne Group has been able to support her, and I'm sure she will collect plenty more signatures on the road and at our sister clubs. Everyone is doing their best to try and get her over that 100,000 mark.”
Duncan Bannatyne, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Bannatyne Group, said: “This is a truly worthwhile cause and I am delighted that Cherylee has got involved with our member. Fran to highlight it.
“Good luck Fran – I am sure you’ll get a very warm welcome at the Bannatyne health clubs you visit on route!”
You can support this important cause by signing the petition 'Provide dedicated funding for diagnosis/treatment of hypermobile EDS and HSD' at:https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/637313
Fran will be visiting the following Bannatyne health clubs on her walk
BLACKPOOL – 13TH AUGUST
LEEDS - 18TH AUGUST
WAKEFIELD - 19TH AUGUST
BARNSLEY - 20TH AUGUST
ROTHERHAM - 21st AUGUST
WORKSOP - 22ND AUGUST
CLEETHORPES - 26TH AUGUST
ENDS
NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BANNATYNEGROUP
CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436
Notes to editors:
The Bannatyne Group operates68clubs, 46 spas and 3 hotels. It is owned by Duncan Bannatyne OBE, who is also known for his appearances as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den. The health clubs have around 200,000 members.
Bannatyne health clubs can be found in towns and cities throughout the UK, with a particularly strong presence near residential areas of large towns. They place a strong emphasis on wellbeing and exercise forming a central part of living a healthy lifestyle.
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