A NEW charity has handed out its first batch of cash grants.

Mind Body EDS, founded this year by 25-year-old Tilford woman and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome sufferer Laura Sylvester, made the donations to nine applicants.

Financial support has been given in response to a wide range of requests - from providing wheelchairs and specialist medical scanning to travel and accommodation costs - all aimed at speeding up access to effective diagnosis and management of this often life-threatening but little-understood condition.

“The principal purpose in launching Mind Body EDS was both to provide financial support to individual sufferers and increase awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS),” said Jacqui Burke, chairman of trustees.

“We are delighted, therefore, that we have already been able to help change the lives of a number of EDS sufferers by providing more than £13,000 to meet their individual needs.”

In response, one applicant who received a grant to pay for car adaptions said: “I have had to fight for everything during my EDS journey over more than 20 years... and for you to believe in me and my potential has been incredible.”

Another applicant, who received funds for an upright MRI scanner to enable early testing, said: “The kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze me and your generous grant has helped reduce stress at a difficult time.”

Mind Body EDS is still taking requests for financial support via mindbodyeds.org.uk.

“The positive responses we have received from applicants and many others reinforce our desire that the charity should mark an important milestone in growing EDS awareness in the UK,” Jacqui continued.

“At the same time, it has also highlighted once again how far there is to go in ensuring that sufferers and their families have the right level of financial support to ensure early access to appropriate diagnostics and treatment.”

With fundraising key to truly making a difference, Mind Body EDS is planning a number of activities over the next few months aimed at tapping into the spirit of giving over the festive season. It has already signed up to be a part of Giving Tuesday - givingtuesday.org.uk - on November 27.

“However,” emphasised Jacqui, ”we would also like to thank all those who have provided financial support to date, which is already having a demonstrable impact on those needing help at all stages of their EDS journey.”

For more information about the charity, its Christmas 2018 activities and how you can support Mind Body EDS and help make a difference to EDS sufferers, visit mindbodyeds.org.uk.