Table tennis fun

CLASH Table Tennis sessions continue to be popular at the Deep End behind Rawlins Academy on Monday evenings. It is run by a charity that aims to help people with all types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

Conrad McEwan became chairman of the charity in 2017 and as a graphic designer and illustrator has been responsible for most of the design work and rebranding of the charity which can be seen online.

As a young boy, his main aim in life was to play Rugby Union for Leicester Tigers. He was just fifteen when his doctor said “You have arthritis, son. I’m afraid that’s the end of your rugby days.” He was devastated more about the loss of rugby than about the prospect of a life where every step would bring pain.

A few years later, rheumatoid arthritis would affect his knees. He still considered himself lucky as he had long periods with little or no swelling or pain. It wasn’t until he was in his thirties that walking became a real struggle, even with a walking stick.

Steroid injections only worked for a short period of time. Around ten years ago it got to the point where he was begging the consultants for a hip replacement, but they were reluctant due to his age. He was very lucky that his GP had experience of having his own hips replaced and helped in getting Conrad’s right hip replaced despite the objections from consultants.

The operation went very well and he was impressed by his new mobility. However his left hip had deteriorated due to compensating for the right one, and had to be replaced the next year. The second operation gave him a new lease of life and it was shortly after that he became involved with the CLASH charity. “I have been able to help others who are struggling with their condition and they have helped me in return during flare ups and low points” he said.

“I have been very grateful for the support the charity has given me and I consider myself even luckier now that I am chairperson to be able to support others who may be struggling. I hope that everything I do for CLASH helps others in some small way to live a fuller life too.

Table tennis provides a gentle way to exercise. The equipment is provided along with the services of two coaches who are available if needed.

The evening table tennis sessions are free to people with arthritis in the family but membership of the charity will afford people more opportunities to get involved plus a free exercise DVD to play at home.

Email info@clashgroup.org. uk or phone 0333 344 461 to register an interest or for more information.