The Scoliosis Association UK (SAUK) is celebrating their success in being awarded £188,000 over three years by the National Lottery Charities Board to spearhead their National Awareness and Educational Campaign. Under the banner 'Getting it Straight' the campaign is aimed at health care professionals, PE teachers, parents, doctors and the general public to heighten awareness and dispel prejudice about scoliosis.

Furthermore, the campaign will draw importance to the early diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis, especially in babies and early adolescent children, throughout the UK.

Scoliosis is the twisting and curving of the spine and affects one in twenty of children under the age of 19. The problems associated with this condition present difficulties for sufferers and their families, and SAUK is the only UK national support group for those suffering from scoliosis.

Commenting on the award SAUK's Chairman, Stephanie Clark, said:

"We are all highly delighted with this news, and the award will enable us to appoint a new Development Officer to co-ordinate our campaign as well as producing the Awareness Packs and developing our Web site. At last we will be able to bring to the attention of the public information on Scoliosis".

As part of the campaign, a Photographic Exhibition will be staged in centres throughout the UK depicting backs of famous people, scoliosis sufferers and those who have had the condition corrected. This exhibition will feature work by one of the charity's Patrons—Lord Patrick Lichfield.

Voluntary helpers would be welcomed to take part in this campaign. Further information on scoliosis can be had from SAUK’s Helpline 020 8964 1166. SAUK’s Web site is www.sauk.org.uk.

Editor's note:

Pauline Grey, Information Officer, SAUK. Tel/Fax: 020 8964 5343. E-mail sauk@sauk.org.uk