Coleraine's Junior Bake Off star Lyla invited to Houses of Parliament to raise awareness of Juvenile Arthritis
The charity Arthritis UK welcomed young people from across the UK who living with arthritis – including Coleraine’s own Junior Bake Off star 13-year-old Lyla - to the Houses of Parliament recently.
Lyla, who was first diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at only 12 years old, was invited to London to celebrate the opening of a week-long art exhibition, ‘Inside Arthritis’.
The exhibition, held in the Upper Waiting Hall, displayed a collection of arts and crafts sourced from Arthritis UK’s ‘Joint Creativity’ art programme, and invited MPs, including event sponsor Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella, to challenge the common misconception that arthritis is ‘just an old person’s disease’.
Whilst adjusting to secondary school, Lyla also had to manage new medications and stigma from her peers. She found comfort through baking, and was honoured to appear on Junior Bake-Off, as the only contestant from Northern Ireland.
Despite this, Lyla often felt isolated by her condition, however, she was able to connect with a like-minded community through Arthritis UK’s Young People and Families Service and ‘Joint Creativity’ art programme. The art club educates young people about the science behind their condition through fun and accessible mediums.
In the lead up to the event, Lyla said: “I started attending art club last January and have really enjoyed taking part in the group discussions. Over the last few months, I’ve learnt so many new skills and for my first ever JIA art club I made fun play dough models based on body cells.
“I wish more people knew what JIA is, so that people at school don’t think it’s contagious! I also wish people knew arthritis doesn’t just affect older people."
The Coleraine teen, who raised £1,000 for Arthritis UK from sales of a recipe booklet, said she felt honoured to be invited to the Houses of Parliament, describing it as a “once in a lifetime moment”.
JIA is an autoimmune disease that affects around 10,000 children in the UK. It causes painful, swollen or stiff joints that can be debilitating, requiring prompt intervention to prevent long term joint damage. Research has shown awareness among the public, as well as many health professionals, is low – something Arthritis UK is working hard to change.
The exhibition ran throughout the lead up to World yOung Rheumatic Disease Day (WORD Day) (March 18), a dedicated day to raise the profile of young people living with all forms of rheumatic diseases.
Arthritis UK, the UK’s leading arthritis charity, works to ensure that all people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are cared for and represented. Whether that be through funding of world-leading research, provision of health information to patients and professionals or through services, such as the Young People and Families’ Service.
Deborah Alsina, Arthritis UK Chief Executive, spoke at the launch of the exhibition and was delighted to meet Lyla and hear from all the empowered young artists.
Deborah said: “’Inside Arthritis’ is a great opportunity for parliamentarians to hear first-hand from our young community about the stigma and challenges of living with arthritis.”