Tina Whitmore was rewarded this month for all the work she has done in helping those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis when she received a British Empire Medal from the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex at Eastbourne Town Hall.
The citation said: “For services to the community in Eastbourne, His Majesty is pleased to award Tina Whitmore with the Medal of the Order of the British Empire”.
It praised her dedication over two decades to supporting others affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Tina, the chairman of self-help group Rheumatoid Arthritis Social Club and Leisure Society, told me: “I am very honoured to receive this award on behalf of my hard-working committee and my husband Richard. Without them all, I would not be able to run RASCALS as I do. The group is full to capacity at the moment, but I have a waiting list if anyone wants to enquire.”
The amazing 68-year-old Mrs Whitmore has been an inspiration to members by defying the pain she suffers herself.
She explains: “Our success is reflected by the fact we have around 90 members. We help members in many ways to give them a better quality of life and provide high-quality bargains at our fetes and auctions thanks to donations by our generous supporters.”
Eastbourne resident Tina’s rheumatoid arthritis has become progressively worse, making it painful to walk because the discs have slipped in her back and neck.
But she and RASCALS, which was founded 33 years ago in 1993, have helped many hundreds of people from across East Sussex who suffer from RA, osteoarthritis or associated diseases such as lupus and fibromyalgia.
Tina says: “My husband Richard 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 due to receive more surgery soon. She reveals: “Sometimes I have to stay in bed as I can’t move, especially after a RASCALS meeting or fundraiser. On those days, Richard does everything for me. He’s an angel.”
RASCALS, who received a community award from the Eastbourne Herald in 2014, are not a charity but donate to various charities and pay to give support to their members.
Tina and Richard put their own money into the group, and spend a lot of time collecting, cleaning and mending items before selling them.
Richard, aged 74, adds: “We use the money we raise for the hire of the church hall in which we meet, 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 joined RASCALS in 2003, was secretary from 2004 until 2013 and has been chairman since then.
She explains: “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 and how prospective members can join a waiting list, are available by emailing Tina at: tinawhitmore.rascals@gmail.com
