REDDITCH firm Premier Care in Bathing has raised more than £10,000 for Arthritis Research UK. 

The company recently marked World Arthritis Day in October and raised the money by committing 10 per cent of sales on the day which will go towards supporting research and development of arthritis treatments.

Premier Care in Bathing, which provides bathing solutions for people with limited mobility, also hosted a training demonstration at its factory, where staff donned a special mobility-suit which simulates the stiff, aching limbs and unsteadiness that arthritis sufferers endure.

The company’s product development team regularly uses the suit to help them understand and experience the physical limitations of the elderly and people with limited mobility so they design products suitable for their needs.

Gordon Farmiloe, managing director, said: “We feel it’s important our staff understand that having age-related limited mobility or arthritis is harder than they think. 

“Old age creeps up on us all and takes us by surprise. No matter who we are, we will not be immune to its effects.  Equally, as arthritis affects young and old, it’s important to appreciate the difficulties sufferers face as well as those of their carers. That’s why we use the special mobility-suit to aid our product development.

“We are also helping to encourage people to complete Arthritis Research UK’s national survey which aims to build up a more complete picture of how arthritis affects the UK population. People can visit our website and follow the link through. It really is important that as many people as possible complete the survey.  What’s more, for those that complete the survey via our website, we’ll give them a £250 discount off the purchase of an adapted bathing solution from us.”

Louise Holland, Arthritis Research UK fundraising director, added: “We receive no government funding, but rely on the generosity and commitment of our supporters, such as Premier Care in Bathing, to continue funding this world class research.”

For further information about Premier Care in Bathing call 0800 090 1505 or see premierbathrooms.co.uk. For further information on Arthritis Research UK or National Arthritis Week, see www.arthritisresearchuk.org or www.nationalarthritisweek.org.uk.