Rotarian Phil Godfrey talks about the APS Support UK Round Britain Rail Tour

Rotarian Phil Godfrey from Rotary Solihull visited Paignton on 12th August 2021 to talk to 32 Rotarians and guests. Phil's talk was based on building awareness and fundraising for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), a disease from which his wife died. Phil has made these talks a living legacy to his wife Christine as he seeks to increase public understanding of the condition. He is a retired railwayman of 40 years service, and initially decided to walk from the Isles of Scilly to Shetland to raise funds, and the profile, of APS. Three attempts later, with a number of injuries, and ultimately surgery to his knee, he decided that a rail tour was more appropriate. He is part way through his 42,000 mile journey and has visited more than 300 Rotary Clubs, with Paignton his latest stop.

APS is an autoimmune disease which affects the blood and its ability to clot. An overactive immune system produces antiphospholipid antibodies which cause the blood to clot too quickly. Despite being a potentially life-threatening condition, the general outlook for most APS patients is good. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment enable the majority of patients to lead a relatively normal life provided they continue with their medication. 

Currently APS is a significantly under-recognised condition, and on average can take up to three years to be diagnosed. Women are three and a half times more likely than men to suffer the disease.

Phil's mission is to raise awareness of the disease and raise funds for research. If you would like Phil to talk to your Rotary Club, or any other organisation, he would be very pleased to hear from you at philcgodfrey@btinternet.com.