62-year-old Angela Dullaghan has shared her experiences of how osteoarthritis affects her life as across Wales, iconic buildings and County halls, including Carmarthenshire County Hall in Carmarthen, will light up blue to mark World Arthritis Day this Saturday, October 12.

“I've probably had osteoarthritis 12 or 13 years and I’m on the waiting list for knee replacements in both knees,” said Angela.

“I can potter around the house without a stick or a crutch, but as soon as I leave the house, I would have to have my crutch with me. I don't really go to many places on my own these days. I tend to have somebody with me. I kind of lost my confidence going out and about.

“I used to think nothing of jumping on the bus. I can’t do that anymore because I haven’t been able to manage.”

There are currently as many as 974,000 people living musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, in Wales today. But Versus Arthritis say many more experience the pain and fatigue of arthritis but remain undiagnosed, untreated and unsupported. The charity wants the light-up of buildings to inspire people with arthritis in the community to share their stories and experiences, and to know they are not alone.

Mary Cowern, Head of Wales at Versus Arthritis said:

“It's vitally important that charities, governments and the NHS work together to make sure arthritis is taken seriously and ensure people have timely access to the right support and care they need to live healthy and happy lives.

“Angela's story highlights just how much of an impact arthritis can have on quality of life. We hope the lighting up of buildings around Wales for World Arthritis Day will help people living with arthritis to remember that they are not alone with their condition. Versus Arthritis, with our local support groups and helpline team, are here for them.”

A National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conference takes place at Swansea.com Stadium today (Tuesday, October 8). Cymru Versus Arthritis sees the conference as an exciting opportunity to shape future arthritis health services and discuss how to reduce the impact of arthritis on the population of Wales.

This World Arthritis Day is an opportunity to ensure people with arthritis feel heard, and can access the care and support they need. On the day itself, Saturday, October 12, Versus Arthritis will be celebrating the stories people with arthritis have shared from 2024 across social media. Do join and support the charity in raising awareness by tagging @VersusArthritis on Instagram and Facebook or @CymruVArthritis on X.

As well as raising awareness of arthritis and investing in research, Versus Arthritis offers practical support through a range of services. These include information about the conditions, self-management advice, exercise programmes, online communities and how you can get involved. To find out more, go to www.versusarthritis.org/in-your-area/wales