This appeal is part of an ongoing fundraising campaign which was started in March this year when we lost our dear friend and fellow ARD sufferer Helen Thomson, following major surgery. Our first aim is to open a charity shop which was suggested by Helens husband David, so that we can become more self sufficient. We hope to raise this money by the end of the year, in preparation for opening a shop in March 2004. We desperately need your help as we have a long way to go!

	Where does your donations go? General operating costs - postage, brochures, flyers, laminating, newsletters and stationary etc. Conferences - AGM plus other awareness conferences. Offices - We need to set up other offices throughout the UK to meet the needs of all our members across the UK. Equipment - computers, printers, laminators, heating, lighting, staff and supplies etc. Website - We need funds to complete our new website, hosting, registration, maintenance costs. Charity Shops - We would ideally like to set up some charity shops to raise money for the much needed research into adhesions. Employees - Answering the snail mail, writing newsletters, manning telephone help lines, setting up satellite groups, compiling databases, doing research etc.

UKAS is a voluntary organisation overseen by a board of medical advisors, dedicated to seeking recognition, promoting awareness, aiding research and working towards improved treatments, while bringing comfort and hope to those diagnosed with a debilitating condition known as ARD (Adhesions and their Related Disorders). A most distressing condition that will affect up to 93% of those who undergo surgery. It will cause 54-74% of bowel obstructions and 15-20% of infertility problems. An Adhesiolysis will remove the pain symptoms in 60 - 90 % of all cases, but inevitably it will cause more Adhesions to form.

Adhesions are more prevalent than most people realise although they are still not clearly recognised nor understood. It’s only in the last few years with the onset of the internet and Societies like UKAS that medical professionals have come to realize the full extent of this condition. In 1988, treatment of abdominal Adhesions cost approximately 1.2 billion.

We offer internet based support for patients and physicians, in the form of chat rooms, message boards and support groups, a network across the UK for people to communicate with fellow sufferers, directing them to medical and complementary health professionals. Helping them to learn all about Adhesions their treatment and prevention.

UKAS is a relatively new organisation expanding at a phenomenal rate and are desperately in need of funds to raise awareness, fund mutch needed research and to reach those who are suffering. Please help, donate today. For every £5 you donate, the goverment will give us a further £1.40

United we stand Knowledge is power ARD is our fight Surrender never