President Robin Taylor introduced our speaker Phil Godfrey who is a member of the Solihull Rotary Club. He told us that Antiphospholipid Syndrome was discovered by Professor Hughes and his team in the West Indies. It is sometimes called “sticky blood”. It is an autoimmune disease which causes the blood to clot too quickly both in veins and arteries.
More women than men are affected by the disease and they are 5 times more likely to suffer a still birth. Phil's late wife Christine suffered from APS having originally been diagnosed with MS. She saw Professor Hughes who said that she didn't have MS but had APS. She lost the use of all her limbs and eventually her voice as well. If she had been properly diagnosed this may well not have happened.
Phil works with APS Support UK. He told us that 37% of Gps (19,000) know nothing about APS. Health professionals know very little about it. In Italy, 10% of all women going for IVF treatment were found to have APS.
In March 2017 Phil decided to walk from the Scilly Isles to the Shetland Isles to raise awareness of APS. Due to adverse weather conditions he had to start from Lands End and he got as far as Preston, having walked 400 miles.
The Rotary Club of Ashford is the 133 rd Club he has visited and he still has another 71 Clubs to go. We wish him well. PP Graeme Calver gave the vote of thanks.
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Mayor Larry Krause told us about his early life in Australia and how he now supports local Charities: 'The Friends of William Harvey' and 'Men in Sheds'
moreMember Stuart McRae tells the Club abut his life and the lucky breaks that have helped him and his wife through a successful and happy life.
moreThe Rotary Club of Ashford's Community Shelter at Conningbrook Lakes Country Park was opened today.
moreOn Monday 10th January, following a frugal supper, PP Kitty Brook, her granddaughter, Kristina, and Kristina's partner, Akeem, gave a talk on 'Malcolm's Soup Kitchen'.
moreOonagh and Kate spoke to our meeting about their work. Samaritans is one of President Renate's charities for her year.
moreHaving talked about her plans before the event in South Korea, Megan returned as promised, to tell us how it went. A very exciting trip!
moreOn Sunday 26th June we ran a Charity Cream Tea Party for around 100 people in aid of President Liz's chosen Charities -'Canine Helpers' and 'Kent MS Therapy Centre'. Thanks to all who helped make it a memorable afternoon.
moreMcArthurGlen Management teams up with the Rotary Club of Ashford to raffle prizes freely donated by many retailers at the Outlet Centre.
moreWe were delighted on Monday night with a talk by 12 year old Lilia who explained the meanings of Ichimatsu Ningyo, Hina Ningyo, Daruma Ningyo, Kokeshi Ningyo and Gosho Ningyo; various forms of Japanese Doll.
moreSophie's entry, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ashford, took first place at National level in the Rotary Young Photographer Competition.
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