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The national voice for people living with parathyroid conditions

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    Hypoparathyroidism

     

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Support Team

Support Team

Ray Finlay

Science Advisor and public speaker

Ray was born in Belfast and moved to England in 1989. Following completion of his PhD studies at the University of Cambridge he moved to the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California as a postdoctoral research fellow. Since 1999 he has worked as a medicinal chemist in both inflammation and oncology drug discovery.

‘When I’m not at work I can usually be found scuba diving around the coast of the UK or trying to guess what my calcium is doing’.

Jane Compton

Conference exhibitor and patient support

Originally from Wales, I trained as a nurse at Guy’s Hospital, London. I married  Steve 35 years ago and we have 4 wonderful children, a grandson and a camper van.

In 2013, I had surgery to remove 3.5 overactive parathyroid glands and was left with hypoparathyroidism. Two years later I started PTH injections (Forsteo) which has stabilised my calcium levels  and improved my quality of life.

Parathyroid UK was a life- line and I resolved to give something back to this amazing organisation. I support people in our facebook group and attend conferences to raise awareness about parathyroid conditions.

Josh Walker

Researcher

Living in Scotland, Josh is currently a student studying for a PhD in quantum physics. He writes: ‘In 2019 after beginning to stumble over my words, I was suddenly diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. A frightening experience but the presence of this warm welcoming community was invaluable. I look forward to helping and improving our community as much as I can.’

Heather de Souza

Leaflet orders & distribution

I have known Liz since Teacher Training College in 1973. When her thyroid cancer operation went wrong, in the 90’s, I looked on as her life changed. I was amazed at her determination. I felt the need to support her practically as well as emotionally so I took on the distribution of our promotional materials.

I send these out to the conferences we exhibit at and fulfill the leaflet orders which our volunteers collect from the delegates. I supply bulk orders to hospitals as well individual requests from patients and their families.

I also add to Liz’s postcard collection from my frequent travels!

Andy Smith

Accountant

Andy started out with a physics degree and is now a Group Financial Controller where he manages the day-to-day operations of a large finance department of a worldwide company. When he’s not travelling or entertaining his small son he finds time to cast his professional eye over our accounts.

Gillian Adams

Patient support (exercise) and conference exhibitor

Gillian has 4 children and lives in Scotland where she is a personal trainer. She is a facebook moderator and gives advice to patients wanting to find ways to improve their health through fitness and exercise. She is also a long-standing conference exhibitor and former hypopara telephone helpline volunteer.

Sophie Worthington

Regional Groups Co-ordinator

I’m 44 years old married to Dean and have two dogs. I’m a Devonian living in Wales. I’ve had Hypopara for 4 years.

I’ve been a member of this group for over 3 years now and find it very informative and there’s always someone around to help! I’m looking forward to my new role and to meeting you all. Get in touch with me through facebook if you would like to join or set up a group.

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Our information is also endorsed by:

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Twitter
Parathyroid UK
Parathyroid UK
@ParathyroidUK

Help Lynn raise £450 to Raise money for Parathyroid UK, Butterfly Thyroid Cance.. Please #donate on @JustGiving and RT justgiving.com/crowd…

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10:52 pm · 8th August 2022
Twitter
Parathyroid UK
Parathyroid UK
@ParathyroidUK

NEW: UK audit of endocrine departments reveals extent of clinical need for improvements in routine care of those with chronic hypoparathyroidism. We hope this will lead to greater awareness of our needs and a change in practice. Thanks to all involved! onlinelibrary.wiley.…

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12:43 pm · 28th July 2022
Twitter
Parathyroid UK
Parathyroid UK
@ParathyroidUK

BALPREET - Living with Primary Hyperpara at 27. youtu.be/TW0gv_UpDlc via @YouTube #ParathyroidDiseaseAwarenessMonthJuly2022 #PHPT #PrimaryHyperparathyroidism pic.twitter.com/njYE…

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7:25 pm · 26th July 2022
Twitter
Parathyroid UK
Parathyroid UK
@ParathyroidUK

Drug Shortages: Only One Alpha 0.25mcg capsules or 2mcg drops currently available in UK. #Hypoparathyroidism patients told they ‘can manage a few days without’. They can’t! This medication keeps us alive and must be accessible @Soc_Endo @NHSEngland @NHSScotland @NHSWalesDU

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10:11 am · 20th July 2022
Twitter
Parathyroid UK
Parathyroid UK
@ParathyroidUK

'No-one blinked for the whole 8 minutes' said the audience of HCP's after watching this compelling slideshow by patient expert Cleo Conway-Bence at the first Parathyroid Study Day at Cork University Hospital. youtu.be/b3TzMYGK4B0 #ParathyroidAwarenessMonthJuly2022

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2:28 pm · 13th July 2022

Read our quick guide to hypoparathyroidism

All about hyperparathyroidism

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