TWO Birstall sisters with a rare, potentially life-threatening genetic disorder have gained the support of their local MP in a campaign to help those suffering with the condition.
Jane Hellings and Jackie Gash both live with familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS), a condition that affects 1 to 2 million of the population.
The sisters visited Parliament recently as part of a Westminster day of action organised by the charities’ HEART UK and the LPLD Alliance Day of Action.
They met Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin, who pledged her support to the campaign.
She said: “Living with such a debilitating and isolating condition can make each day a battle for Jane and Jackie which makes their tenacity and dedication to improving the lives of those who have the condition all the more remarkable.”
Jane Hellings said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Tracy as our local MP to ensure that people like me gain access to the care and support they need.”
People with FCS have difficulty digesting certain fats, resulting in a massive accumulation of fatty droplets called chylomicrons in their blood circulation.
This can then lead to raised levels of a type of fat called triglycerides in the blood stream that can cause chronic symptoms and potentially life-threatening pancreatitis.
For more information about the condition and the support that is available, visit lpldalliance.org/support.
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