By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
ARTHRITIS – as painful as it can be – has been turned into a positive for a group of 120 Cranbourne sufferers.
The debilitating condition for many has brought the members of the Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group together and made it a place of friendship, discussion, outings and exercise.
Celebrating the group’s 35th anniversary on Wednesday 27 August, group president Anne Coley said she was so proud of what they had achieved.
“We had a big birthday cake and celebrated with past members as well as current ones,” she said.
Getting together twice a week at Casey Race recreation and aquatic centre for some water-based exercise and a cup of coffee, Ms Coley explained the group did a lot more than just weights in the pool.
“For the past five years we have held a Christmas party in our dedicated room at Casey Race for our disabled friends at the pool, which we just love.
“We are a very charitable group as well, raising $6000 for the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation, we raised $2000 for the Cancer Council, $1000 toward overseas disaster relief and another $1000 for disadvantaged children,” she said.
Doing their bit for each other and the wider community, Ms Coley said most of her members were 75 years old and older.
“Not only does the group help to relieve pain in the water but provides members with a real sense of family.
“We have barbecue lunches, days out around Victoria and even make and sell craft for charity.”
