ABPI DIRECTOR APPOINTED TRUSTEE OF CHARITY, SCLERODERMA AND RAYNAUD’S UK

ABPI DIRECTOR APPOINTED TRUSTEE OF CHARITY, SCLERODERMA AND RAYNAUD’S UK 

Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) has appointed Elliot Dunster, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs and Devolved Nations for the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), as a trustee of the charity. 

SRUK is dedicated to supporting people with Raynaud’s Phenomenon – a condition where blood vessels in a person’s extremities constrict in response to changes in temperature and stress, causing fingers and toes to change colour and become swollen and painful – and those with the rare autoimmune condition scleroderma.  

Scleroderma occurs when the body’s immune system becomes overactive and begins to attack healthy tissue, causing hardening of the skin and, in some cases, other organs. It also causes scarring, which can affect parts of the body from functioning properly. Raynaud’s is a common symptom of scleroderma, although relatively few people with Raynaud’s will have the autoimmune condition. 

The charity provides information and support through its website and helpline, and funds research to improve diagnosis, quality of life, develop new treatments and, ultimately, find a cure for both conditions. 

Elliot, whose mother lives with both scleroderma and Raynaud’s, said: “I am delighted to be joining SRUK. My mum is one of the 19,000 people in the UK who live with scleroderma, so I know first-hand how this condition can affect people’s lives. 

“There’s a huge amount for me to learn from the SRUK team and the other brilliant trustees. I hope I can bring some of my own experience to the table and am looking forward to getting stuck in." 

Elliot Dunster joined the ABPI in 2016 as Head of External Affairs before being promoted to Executive Director for Corporate Affairs and Devolved Nations in 2019. He has a background in advocacy, communications and policy development, having previously worked for the disability charity, Scope and in Westminster as a Parliamentary Advisor. 

Commenting on Elliot’s appointment, Sue Farrington, SRUK Chief Executive, said: “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Elliot to our highly-skilled team of trustees. He brings a wealth of experience, having worked in the charity, pharmaceutical and political sectors, as well as his own personal connection to these conditions. We’re looking forward to working with Elliot and using his knowledge to help us achieve even more in our mission to support and improve the lives of everyone living with Raynaud’s and scleroderma.” 

To find out more about SRUK and its work, visit www.sruk.co.uk