Why I’m leaving a gift in my will for the ROS

Ann, 64, first came in to contact with the Royal Osteoporosis Society in a bid to help her mother with the condition. Having then gone on to be diagnosed with osteoporosis herself following a spinal fracture, 11 years ago, she decided to leave a financial legacy to charity.

“I first came into contact with osteoporosis when my mum was diagnosed with it and so I contacted the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) so that I could find out more for her and to see what sort of support was available.

“From there, I got involved with a Support Group as I was interested in finding out more about it. Eventually, I was diagnosed as having it myself. I suppose it was something I should have been aware of any way as both my mum and her sister had it.

“I have always been an active person who loves gardening and getting outdoors, so after I suffered from a spinal fracture I had to find my own way of dealing with things.

“For me, managing the long-term condition was about how to deal with still exercising but also the pain after a spinal fracture. I swim and do yoga, but I am always very careful. When I was restricted in what I could do, I found even a little bit of movement helped if I could manage the pain.

I got a lot of support from the ROS

“I got a lot of support from the ROS, both in terms of information on the website and leaflets and practical support from the Helpline. Even though I am a former nurse myself, it wasn’t a condition I knew a huge amount about and so trying to get the right sort of advice was crucial and the Helpline was great.

“I would advise anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis to be proactive and advocate for yourself, and read and do research, so that with support you can make the best decisions for you personally.

“It is great to see the ROS supporting research into osteoporosis as that is fantastic news for the future and the way forward. We need to get as much interest in the condition as possible, especially within the NHS.

I have chosen to leave a legacy as it might help

“I have chosen to leave a legacy to the charity in my will as it might help, even a little, towards finding a cure so that future generations do not suffer.

“My mum was born in 1932 and when I read about things like Fracture Liaison Services (FLSs) which did not exists for her, I know she would have been much better off if she had been identified as having the condition sooner.

“Osteoporosis has become a part of my life and dictates in terms of what I eat, the medications and exercise I take, and making sure I get out in the sunshine to top up my Vitamin D. However, I know I can do plenty of things to help myself and it is not all doom and gloom, and until a cure is found we all need to remember that.”