U3A

THE speaker for the meeting on 26 May, was Celia Richardson, from Plwmp, who told us about the ancient disease of leprosy, persisting in the world today. In 2010, India, Brazil and Mozambique dominated the world with the largest number of active cases, more than half of them in India. A staggering 11,000 children in India started treatment for leprosy in 2014. Celia explained that leprosy is a bacterial disease. Close, continuous contact with a sufferer triggers it. Fortunately, leprosy is completely curable with antibiotics. If not caught in time, there can still be the harsh, debilitating repercussions, so awareness of early symptoms is crucial. Celia’s presentation included heart-rending images of leprosy victims affected by blindness, and loss of body parts, but also the courageous smiles of those affected, despite such adversity. In 2004 Celia heard about the UK based charity, LEPRA (a leprosy charity, website: www. lepra.org.uk), that advertise sponsored cycling trips to India. Since then, Celia has made five trips to India in a bid to help raise awareness of leprosy in problem regions. The LEPREA volunteers cycle through rural India, sometimes accompanied by a bus with a doctor. Cycling 350 miles in eight days, they visit hospitals, schools, remote villages, and special disability camps, where their welcome is always warm and inviting. Their aim is to show people how to spot the symptoms, how to look after themselves, hand out simple medical kits, and supply specially cushioned sandals. With the help of other important bodies, such as the World Health Organisation, and affected nation’s government agencies, leprosy is being treated and will, hopefully, one day, be eradicated. The U3A’s next monthly meeting will be held at the Catholic Church Hall, North Road, 23 June, 2pm to 4pm, when Delyn Jones from Small World Theatre will be the speaker. New members are always welcome to attend our meetings. For more information about Cardigan U3A, and the various interest groups, please visit the website www.cardiganu3a.org. uk, or on Facebook at Cardigan’s University of the Third Age.