4,000th Member Joins The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

Bonfire night was not the only reason for fireworks this week. Friday (2nd November) was a time for celebration at the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society in Maidenhead when it was revealed that the 4,000th member had joined, a remarkable achievement for such a young charity.

Sara Britton, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in October 2011, had the honour of being the 4,000th member: “Rheumatoid arthritis was a disease I knew nothing about and wrongly assumed that it only affected the elderly. NRAS taught me that it can affect anyone at any age, and it takes no prisoners. Being part of NRAS was a lifeline to a community who understood exactly how I was feeling at a time when I was confused and frustrated.”  

NRAS was founded in 2001 by Ailsa Bosworth, who herself has rheumatoid arthritis, in the front room of her house in Maidenhead. Since then the charity has gone from strength to strength, providing a wealth of information and an extensive support network for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis. This has enabled people to stay better informed about the condition and offers them a platform to have their voices heard.

It was in 2010 that NRAS reached 3,000 members so this next target had been eagerly anticipated. “We are so delighted to reach this milestone” said Emma Seymour, membership supervisor at NRAS, “knowing that we have 4,000 members supporting our work is an amazing achievement.”  

Membership of NRAS is open to anyone with rheumatoid arthritis or healthcare professional involved in treating the condition. Those affected by rheumatoid arthritis are welcome to join as a friend of the society. For more information on joining then visit the website at www.nras.org.uk or by contacting NRAS directly on 0845 4583969 / membership@nras.org.uk.