Tony Flood tells how support groups RASCALS and Breatheasy provide a better quality of life for members
Pictures and additional reporting by Heather Flood
Tina Whitmore and her self-help group R.A.S.C.A.L.S. bring happiness to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis – particularly as Christmas approaches.
A fete and auction held as part of their November meeting in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Pevensey Bay, raised a staggering £1,103 which will help to pay for speakers, days out and other treats, including Christmas lunch at the York House Hotel, Eastbourne.
Chairman Tina explains: “I love it when we are able to provide enjoyment for our members, particularly giving them high-quality bargains at our fates and auctions thanks to donations by our generous supporters. And those members who attend meetings regularly are rewarded with a free Christmas lunch at the York House Hotel.”
Sixty-six-year-old Eastbourne resident Tina is an inspiration to everyone.
Her rheumatoid arthritis has become progressively worse, making it painful to walk because the discs have slipped in her back and neck. But Tina spends much of her life helping fellow sufferers by running R.A.S.C.A.L.S., which stands for Rheumatoid Arthritis Social Club and Leisure Society.
The group, founded 31 years ago in 1993, has helped many hundreds of people from across East Sussex who suffer from RA, osteoarthritis or associated diseases such as lupus and fibromyalgia.
Tina says: “I receive great support from my husband Richard who helps me in so many ways including collecting goods that are donated to us and then delivering them to members. I also have a wonderful band of helpers on our committee – treasurer Pauline Graham, social secretary Katy Layer, welfare secretary Rosemary Williams, support assistant Denise Roberts and administration secretary Pat Millen.”
Tina has had both knees and a hip replaced and is likely to need surgery on her shoulders soon. She says: “Sometimes I have to stay in bed as I can’t move, especially in the days after a RASCALS meeting or fundraiser. On those days Richard has to do everything for me. He’s an angel.”
RASCALS, who currently have around 90 members, received a community award from the Eastbourne Herald in 2014. They are not a charity but donate to various charities and pay to give support to their members.
Tina reveals: “Rich and I put quite a lot of our own money into the group, but we love it. We get donated lots of lovely things from our large circle of family and friends to sell off cheaply. We spend hours collecting, cleaning and mending things before selling them. All money raised is spent on our members.”
Richard, aged 72, adds: “We use the money we raise for the hire of the church hall, insurance, speakers, games and refreshments, music prizes, days and meals out, ‘get well’ presents etc. Eastbourne Hospital’s hydrotherapy pool is made available at a cheaper rate to members who attend at least four meetings a year.”
Tina explains: “Some of our members only have RASCALS in their lives – bringing smiles to their faces makes it all worthwhile.
“I joined in 2003, was secretary from 2004 till 2013 and have been chairman since then. We are not medically trained but we discuss our ailments and medication between ourselves. It’s a great comfort to talk to others who are in similar pain or scared of what is to come in the future.”
More details about RASCALS, including how to donate items which Richard can collect, are available by emailing Tina at: tinawhitmore.rascals@gmail.com Membership is currently full but Tina can put prospective new members on a waiting list.
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I’ve also been greatly impressed by another excellent support group, Breatheasy Eastbourne, who help people affected by lung conditions, asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, IPF, carcinoma and asbestosis, including friends, family and carers.
Their aim is to ensure the well-being of those with these conditions, offering them a safe meeting place where they can express themselves without prejudice.
Breatheasy is run by people who themselves have lung illnesses so fully understand what members are suffering. Chief Executive Officer Kimberlee Cole and her husband Steven Banks work tirelessly with their committee to provide a range of activities including monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of every month from 2 pm to 5 pm at The Breathe Centre, 142 Whitley Road, Eastbourne, BN22 8LT, with speakers giving talks on various subjects.
There are also weekly pulmonary maintenance exercise programmes in Eastbourne, Polegate, Lewes and Wealden.
The multi-tasking Kimberlee and Steven provided great entertainment for members with a recent pre-Christmas party that included plenty of food, raffle and quiz prizes and a sing-song.
Those wishing to either offer or receive help can obtain further details by emailing Kimberlee at breatheeasyeastbourne@gmail.com or telephoning 07949 811599.
