Westminster Virtual Rare Disease Day 2022 Reception
23 February 2022
Nerve Tumours UK joined the annual international event aimed at raising awareness and highlighting the needs of people with rare diseases.
There are over 6000 rare diseases affecting over 3.5 million people across the UK.
Collectively, rare diseases are not rare.
Today, the rare community came together to raise awareness of the common issues affecting those living with rare conditions.
We joined the Westminster Rare Disease Digital Forum, chaired by Liz Twist, MP and Chair of the APPG on Rare, Genetic and Undiagnosed Conditions, and hosted by the Genetic Alliance.
![](/images/common/image_(3)_1024x768.jpg)
We heard from people affected by rare conditions, discussing the progress of the National Plans for Rare Diseases, which are due to be launched this year.
Maria Caulfield, the Minister responsible for rare conditions, spoke on the future for rare conditions.
![](/images/common/image_(11)_1024x768.jpg)
The Neurofibromatosis community was represented by Dexter Parker who has Neurofibromatosis Type 1, giving insights on how the condition affects his daily life,
![](/images/common/image_(5)_1024x768.jpg)
now a young aspiring student and a story of determination and hope. Thank you Dexter for your support.
![](/images/common/Dexter_1024x768.jpg)
Watch his address to the reception here
Stay tuned on our social channels for Rare Disease Day 2022 on Monday 28th February
Filter News
![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Hannah_1_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Hannah’s NF1 story
9 year old Hannah is running the Junior Great North Run, so other children with NF can also have access to doctors & nurses
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Sam_Gaden_marathon_2_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Sam’s Marathon
Sam, our Specialist NF Nurse for Merseyside & the North West, is running the London Marathon - her very first Marathon!
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/2022_Manchester_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
NF Patients Community Day
The NF Patients Community Day is on Sunday 9th October 2022 - register to attend virtually
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Naomi_Marshall_Prof_Heather_Widdows_Susan_Ross__Chrissie_from_CF_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Appearance, Identity & Law workshop
Appearance, identity & law workshop at Queen Mary University London School of Law
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/image8_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Alfred the Pirate
Seven year old Alfred the Pirate takes NF1 in his stride, and is supported by Specialist NF Nurse Mel
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Nicole_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Nicole’s NF1 story & skydive
Nicole shares her NF1 journey and her motivation to inspire children with disabilities to achieve whatever they want to do
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/photo_collage_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Sarah’s NF1 story & Langmead fundraising
Sarah describes her daughter Hannah's NF1 journey and organising a corporate charity day fundraiser at Langmead Herbs
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Molly__Alfie_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Molly & Alfie
Mollie has NF1 - her big brother Alfie & friend Kaelan are running to raise awareness & funds for NTUK
Read More