PEOPLE in Knutsford who are affected by hepatitis B and C will benefit thanks to a fundraising evening that raised £1,000 for Macclesfield Hospital’s hepatitis support group.
Hepatitis B and C represent one of the biggest threats to global health killing approximately 1.5million people a year. It is estimated that more than 500million people around the world are currently infected with the virus.
In August 2008, the hospital, which is run by East Cheshire NHS Trust, started treating people for the virus.
As a direct response to feedback received from patients and to coincide with World Hepatitis Day 2009, it launched the peer support group called C-Saw.
Dr Konrad Koss, consultant gastroenterologist at the trust, said: “Hepatitis C is one of the most significant health problems in the world. It affects the liver and can lead to chronic infection and more serious liver disease such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.”
Known as a ‘silent killer’, people can live with the virus for many years without knowing that they are infected.
The recent fundraising show at Congleton Town Hall attracted support from local businesses and more than 200 people.
Dr Koss added: “As well as providing friendship, emotional support and practical advice to anyone affected by hepatitis, the group also plays a vital role in raising awareness of the signs, symptoms, sources of infection and treatment options available.
“Although the group is patient-led, staff from the hospital provide help and support where necessary, with the aim of working together to make a difference and remove the stigma that surrounds hepatitis.”
Carl Gola, chairman of C-Saw, said: “I hope that this will be the first of many events to raise awareness of hepatitis.
“I’m really grateful to the local companies who provided sponsorship or donated raffle prizes, as well as to all those individuals who showed their support on the night.
The evening was a great success and the funds raised really will make a significant difference to the many hepatitis patients we are in contact with on a daily basis.”
Source:knutsfordguardian.co.uk
