A WOMAN who has long campaigned to raise awareness of osteoporosis and help people suffering from the condition is stepping-up her efforts.

Christine Sharp, of Silsden has met Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore to speak about the condition and the support needed.

She has herself faced a long, painful battle against osteoporosis – which weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaks.

Christine has been a volunteer with the Royal Osteoporosis Society for over a decade and travels the country as part of her awareness-raising mission.

At her recent meeting with Mr Moore, he pledged to push the case in Westminster for greater recognition of the condition and the need to improve support available to sufferers.

He said: "Meeting with constituents is the best part of my job and I was really interested to hear from Christine about her experiences, as well as what more we can do to help those who suffer from osteoporosis.

"What's clear is that in spite of the severity of the disease, there has not been enough recognition of this. This has got to change, and I will be making the case in Westminster that we need to be doing more to improve the future for people with osteoporosis. I believe more diagnosis will be key, and it is vital for us to support local health commissioners in achieving this."

Around 3.5 million people in the UK are affected by osteoporosis, which develops slowly over several years and is only diagnosed after a fracture due to a fall or sudden impact.

Mr Moore says campaigners, including those from the Royal Osteoporosis Society, have worked hard to correct "under-acknowledgement" of the condition in the public health sector. He adds there are now 95 fracture liaison services across England and Wales, playing a key role in the battle against osteoporosis, and the Government and NHS England have voiced a desire to expand the services.

Christine says there is a desperate need to stop "the postcode lottery" regarding fracture liaison services.

She added: "The service needs to be available to everyone over the age of 50 who breaks a bone due to osteoporosis, in order for them to be treated appropriately to help prevent further fractures.

"One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The human cost of living with these fractures is devastating and life-changing."