ROS launches the Better Bones Picnic to raise vital funds and awareness

Former Great British Bake-Off contestant uses her cake whispering skills to perfect all things picnic and urges people to join her to raise awareness of the need for better bones this summer.

Charity Ambassador, Val Stones, who was a contestant on the popular show in 2016 and quickly became a fan favourite, is asking the public to hold a Better Bones Picnic to raise funds and awareness for the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS).

Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and break more easily and there are 3.5 million people living with it in the UK today, including Val herself.

Although bones weaken with age, osteoporosis and broken bones do not have to be an inevitable part of ageing. Bone health is important throughout life and by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet with adequate calcium, and importantly getting enough vitamin D, everyone can build strong bones.

Worryingly, only half of people (51%) understand vitamin D is important for bone health. Now Val and the ROS are asking the public to consider their bone health, whatever their age or lifestyle by picking their ‘picnic personality’ and sharing an outdoor meal with friends, family or colleagues this summer.

Val says: “I’m passionate about all food but there is something charming and special about a picnic. As well as being fun, it‘s a great opportunity to bake some healthy recipes and by getting outside, you’ll also be building better bones by topping up that all important vitamin D. Don’t forget to raise some money for this fantastic cause too!”

What’s your picnic personality?

There are five picnic personalities to choose from in the picnic pack and once you have chosen yours, there are lots of resources to help you plan the perfect picnic including a poster, exclusive recipe cards from Val and children’s activities. They are all available to download or you can request a pack in the post.

The average spend on a picnic for a family is £26 so we are asking people to try to beat that target however they like – donating to attend, a bake off, fancy dress – or simply asking people to donate £5 or whatever they can afford to come along.

ROS CEO, Craig Jones says: “One in two women and one in five men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis and we want everyone to consider their bone health this summer, no matter what their age.

“Any amount people raise will make a real difference to people’s lives – that £26 that the average family spends on a picnic could pay for an hour of specialist support from one of the nurses on our Helpline and change someone’s ability to live well with this chronic condition.

“We operate the only Helpline dedicated to osteoporosis in the UK and are there for anyone with questions about osteoporosis or bone health five days a week, 52 weeks a year.”

Find out more and download resources for the Better Bones Picnic.