Art event in aid of Hughes Syndrome

On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October, 11am-5pm, Stella Brabants will open the doors of The Haven in Sandroock Hill to visitors, with artwork, ceramics, sculpture, glassware, jewellery and textiles for sale, as well as art demonstrations.

There will be a £1 entry charge, to include a cup of tea or coffee, and plenty of smaller items for sale, as well as larger pieces of work.

20 per cent of all sales will be donated to the Hughes Syndrome Foundation, a charity which works hard to raise awareness of this potentially life-threatening disease.

Often undiagnosed and untreated until it is too late, Hughes Syndrome can cause headache and migraine, memory problems, dizziness and balance difficulties, visual disturbances, extreme fatigue, DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke and mini-stroke and heart attacks.

In addition, it is now recognised as the most common, treatable form of recurrent miscarriage.

Stella said: “In my own case, Hughes Syndrome has meant the loss of two children late in pregnancy, a pulmonary embolism, joint and balance problems and brain damage such that I can no longer work, handle money or even tie my own shoelaces!

“It is an auto immune condition in which there is an increased tendency for the blood to clot and the current figure for estimated sufferers is 1 in 100, more than MS and Parkinson’s.

“My aim is to let as many people as possible know about this devastating illness.

“It affects old and young alike, particularly young women, and yet it is still often overlooked by the medical profession or left untreated.

“If you think you, or anyone you know, may have any of the above unexplained symptoms then please contact your GP or read more about it at www.hughes-syndrome.org.

“If caught early enough treatment can be simple and effective.”

She added: “I look forward to welcoming everyone to this fundraising event at my home.

“There will be plenty of lovely things to come and see as well as a great painting demonstration by Mark Fisher.”