Researchers complete Hebridean Cycle Challenge
Published: 26 June 2018
A group of researchers from the Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation have completed a challenging Hebridean cycle.
In May Rheumatosphere, a rheumatology public engagement group based at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, was awarded funding from the European League Against Rheumatism’s (EULAR) to implement the Don’t Delay, Connect Today (DDCT) campaign in Scotland. In light of this our team decided to take the exciting campaign to some of the most remote areas of Scotland - the Outer Hebridean islands.
The main aim of the DDCT campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis in the treatment of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions - such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Most of the Rheumatosphere team are scientists, many of whom are investigating how to stratify patients to the right drug to treat THEIR disease, but before a patient can be stratified to ANY drug they must first identify the early symptoms of diseases (such as RA), allowing them to seek the relevant medical help.
In order to address this Rheumatosphere set out to hold 6 public engagement events across the Outer Hebridean islands. These events were held in various locations across the 10 islands North Uist, Leverburgh, Tarbert, Callanish and Stornoway, maximising the number of individuals that we interacted with. Our largest events were held at the Callanish Standing Stones visitor centre and the local co-operative supermarket, where we were able to interact with both local residents and tourists.
Another aim of the campaign is to educate primary healthcare providers about the early warning signs of MSKs and the importance of early referral to rheumatology. Due to the remote location and population size on the islands there is limited access to rheumatology and MSK services making the education for the primary healthcare providers (HCPs)- including GPs, nurses and physiotherapists – all the more essential. Capitalising on this, we ran an event for all primary HCPs through which we were able to reinforce the early warning signs of MSK conditions and highlight when individuals should be referred to the limited rheumatology services.
Rheumatosphere partnered with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) for the campaign. NRAS were able to supply invaluable support to those on the island already living with disease, providing a wide range of education material for those living with RA. Together, with John Paton (NRAS ambassador) who accompanied the Rheumatosphere team to the islands, we were able to hold 2 patient meetings - one on the Isle of Harris and another on the Isle of Lewis.
Further to the engagement work carried out on the islands, seven members of the Rheumatosphere team also cycled the Hebridean cycle way- cycling from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis, raising money for our partner charity NRAS. Our challenge was endorsed by Mark Beaumont who launched the Hebridean cycle way in 2016, cycling the 185 miles in under 24 hours. Mark stated: “I am delighted to add my support to a team of clinicians and scientists from my alma matar, the University of Glasgow, who are taking on the beautiful Hebridean Way cycle challenge. “
The team completed the 185-mile cycle expedition in 4 days, some of which were made more challenging by the wind and rain (and on occasion sunshine), cycling against the clock to make connecting ferries and ascending over 600ft to conquer the Clisham in Harris. Having been successful in completing our cycle, we were able to raise over £3000 for NRAS, helping them to continue their fantastic work.
The Rheumatosphere team, along with NRAS have taken on the challenge of delivering the DDCT campaign in Scotland and have enjoyed every minute of it! We are currently planning to extend its reach through more of the Scottish islands further raising the profile of the DDCT campaign in Scotland. I would encourage anyone interested to get involved in this worth-while cause to go to EULARs website and find out more, a video of the Rheumatosphere DDCT campaign, Don’t Delay Connect Scotland Today can also be found on the following website.
First published: 26 June 2018