History

The group was founded in 1994 by a very energetic lady called Scott McClean with just six members.  One of the early members recently commented” I would not be where I am today without the support, information and friendship I have received. Thank you Scott.

Scott approached Dr Holland, Consultant Rhuematologist from Sunderland Royal Hospital who agreed to become President of the Support Group.

She also approached Denise Robertson, Authoress and Agony Aunt who kindly agreed to become president of the group.

Scott helped countless people and furthered the cause of Fibromyalgia tirelessly.  Unfortunately Scott decided to retire in 1995 and asked Angelo Docherty (Doc) to run the group.

Since Doc began running the group it has become involved with the A.P.P.G and M.A.B, produced a new information pack and newsletter and thanks to an award from the Community Foundation has produced some new leaflets which we will launch at the AGM in January.

A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER SCOTT McCLEAN

As founder of the group, and since my subsequence retirement it has been a source of great satisfaction to see the group under the new direction of Angelo Docherty to flourish and go from strength to strength.

I would like to offer my support and approval of the new information pack which is issued to each new sufferer.  The fact that it is endorsed by Consultant Rheumatologist Dr C Holland and Professor Daymond is praise indeed.

Information is the key to understanding this very misunderstood condition.  When first diagnosed the patient feels isolated with no knowledge of this ailment.

I would highly endorse the information contained in this pack.  Apart from learning more about Fibromyalgia by joining the support group you will take the first steps to living with Fibromyalgia.

Support your local group.  You need each other to grow and flourish.

Best wishes, Scott.

Since Doc has taken over the group many things have changed but the one thing that remains the same is; “The primary aim of the group is to provide information, support and knowledge to sufferers old and new their family, friends and carers.”

Doc has changed the name of the group to F.I.N.E, Fibromyalgia in The North East, as we are based throughout the North East and the standard reply when you are asked how you feel is

FINE

Dr Holland has this to say about the support group.

“The sufferer gets the help, support and knowledge concerning this condition from self help groups Such as F.I.N.E run by the tremendously enthusiastic Angelo Docherty without whose help many sufferers in our region would not have understood the nature of their condition, nor coped to the extent they have.”

A WORD FROM DENISE

I have to confess that when Scott asked me to be patron of FMS I had never heard of Fibromyalgia.  Now I understand and sympathise with the problems fibro sufferers face each day.  A recent (and I hope temporary) attack of joint pain has shown me how debilitating constant pain can be so I’m now very glad that I accepted Scott’s invitation to join a group which does so much to support and inform.

I think the newsletter will be invaluable in the years to come. You can be sure I’ll be avidly reading my copy.  My best wishes to you all.