The Behçet's Syndrome Society has been established as a charity for over 25 years (Registered Charity No. 326679) and represents Behçet's disease patients and their carers in the UK. Equally importantly, it exists for those not yet diagnosed with Behçet's disease and those who think they may have Behçet's disease. Behçet's syndrome is a rare disease.
Behçet's disease is a rare, chronic, lifelong disorder that involves inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. Symptoms of Behçet's disease include recurrent oral and genital ulcers, and eye inflammation. The disorder may also cause various types of skin lesions, arthritis, bowel inflammation, and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord). Behçet's disease generally begins when patients are in their 20s or 30s, although all age groups may be affected. Behçet's is a multisystem disease; it may involve all organs and affect the central nervous system, causing memory loss and impaired speech, balance and movement. The effects of the disease may include blindness, stroke, swelling of the spinal cord, and intestinal complications.

Learn more from their website - click here

This is a small National Charity which uses gardening to change the lives of young disabled people. As part of its work, Thrive has developed an innovative programme – ‘Grow and Learn – designed to enable these young people to gain the skills and qualifications they need for a fulfilled adult life. Thirve operates two garden projects one based near Reading and the other in London’s Battersea Park. If you want to see more look at www.thrive.org.uk.

 

At the Installation lunch at Painter's Hall on 2nd February 2012, the Master presented Mrs Pat Dodd of RYA Sailability with a cheque for £25,000