A ROADSHOW to raise awareness and understanding of two debilitating conditions that can lead to blindness and physical disability was held in Southend.

PMRGCAuk - the patient support group for Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis, held a “Research Roadshow” to raise public awareness around the conditions and share the latest research and developments in causes, treatment and management.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis are linked rheumatic conditions that cause pain, tenderness and stiffness and, in the case of the latter, can lead to blindness if left untreated.

An estimated 250,000 people have the conditions, although there may be many undiagnosed sufferers as awareness amongst doctors and the public is so low.

Each year, around 3,000 people are thought to lose sight as a result of late diagnosis.

The event was held in St Peter’s Church Hall, Southend, and brought together sufferers and medics.

Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta, consultant rheumatologist at Southend Hospital and an expert in both conditions, backed the PMRGCAuk charity.

He said: “This event was a major step forward.

“For the first time it brings together patients, clinicians and researchers to share information and gain further understanding about these much under-resourced conditions.”