A WOMAN who campaigns about the fragile bone condition osteoporosis has joined forces with her MP to raise awareness of the condition.

Christine Sharp, of Riddlesden, Keighley, who has herself endured a long painful struggle with osteoporosis, is a volunteer and ambassador for the National Osteoporosis Society.

She and Keighley MP Kris Hopkins are encouraging people to support the society’s “Lace up for Bones” campaign.

This features bright orange-coloured shoe laces which people can buy to draw attention to the initiative, with proceeds from their purchase going towards the Society, which is a charity.

Mr Hopkins and Mrs Sharp laced up their own shoes with the hard-to-miss laces at the Conservative Party office in Keighley.

Mrs Sharp, 73, was diagnosed with osteoporosis nearly 20 years ago.

She is on medication and frequently exercises at a class in Ilkley to build up her strength in her bones.

She has endured multiple fractures and the condition forced her to give up her job in 2009. She used to run a salon in Haworth Road, Bradford.

“Half of the population over the age of 50 will get osteoporosis, but there is so little publicised about it,” she said.

“The National Osteoporosis Society is only a small charity, and sometimes I do feel like I’m a lone voice in the wilderness.

“Even younger people are showing signs of having this condition, probably due to their lifestyle and their poor diet.

“Kids aren’t exercising enough or getting enough sunlight for vitamin D.

“I know what it’s like to have osteoporosis and I don’t want anyone else to go down the same road that I have if I can help it.”

Mr Hopkins said: “I am delighted to be lacing up this year to support this campaign.

“It is vital that people start to think about their bone health.

“Only 25 per cent of the UK knows what osteoporosis is, yet it affects one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50.

“Every pair of laces that is sold will help the three million people in the UK who have osteoporosis.

“The message of the campaign is very simple, and people don’t have to journey far to help end the pain of osteoporosis. Just one step is all it takes.”

Mr Hopkins also praised Mrs Sharp’s dedication to the cause, saying: “She has virtually been a sole campaigner on this issue for years. As the local MP, I really have to support her.”

Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis because bone loss becomes more rapid for several years after the menopause.

In addition, women tend to have smaller bones than men and in general live longer, with loss of bone tissue continuing for longer.