A national charity based in Camerton has celebrated thirty years of helping people affected by the bone disease, osteoporosis.

The National Osteoporosis Society marked the milestone with a giant ‘30’ cake with staff last week at its headquarters in the village.

Osteoporosis is the fragile bone disease that causes painful, debilitating and sometimes fatal fractures, particularly of the wrist, hip and spine. It affects almost three million people in the UK, and there are roughly 300,000 fragility fractures a year.

Set up in 1986, The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the pain and suffering caused by osteoporosis. Over the last thirty years, it has funded ground-breaking research into the condition, set up support groups across the UK, raised awareness and provided a lifeline for those with the disease.

Speaking about the milestone birthday, the National Osteoporosis Society’s Chief Executive, Claire Severgnini, said: “Over the past three decades the National

Osteoporosis Society has been a constant presence, providing help and support to those affected by the condition, raising awareness and investing in research.

“Today, thanks in part to our work, the understanding of osteoporosis among both the general public and health professionals is much, much greater than it was in 1986, when the charity was established.

“There is still a lot of work to do, but we will continue the fight to build a brighter future for those affected by the condition.”

To find out more about the locally-based charity or osteoporosis, visit: www.nos.org.uk