SOUTHEND West's MP has pledged to work alongside a leading arthritis charity to represent thousands of people living in the area with the pain.

Arthritis is the single biggest cause of disability and pain across the country with 10 million people living with arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain.

The pain, fatigue and lack of mobility caused by arthritis affects every aspect of a person’s life, making everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea, travelling to work or getting out of bed extremely difficult.

As well as the personal impact, these conditions amount to the third largest area of NHS spending and are the cause of one in five working days lost in the UK.

Sir David Amess, pictured at Arthritis Research UK’s annual Parliamentary reception, has pledged to support the charity's prevent, transform, cure manifesto in Parliament as an Arthritis Champion.

He said: “I’m proud to champion Arthritis Research UK’s policy calls to tackle the prevention, transformation and cure of arthritis. We need to put the issues affecting people with arthritis at the forefront of Parliament’s agenda.

“I’m committed to making a difference. Together we can fight this painful condition that has such a huge impact on all aspects of people’s lives in Southend.”

Dr Liam O’Toole, chief executive officer of Arthritis Research UK, said: “There needs to be a public health approach focusing on preventing arthritis, transforming services and finding a cure for the 10 million people affected by this devastating condition."

For further information visit www.arthritisresearchuk.org/campaign or email action@arthritisresearchuk.org.