Young people with bleeding disorders score in the David Beckham Football Academy, Greenwich

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 24 Jul 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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This summer 50 young people with lifelong medical conditions will be fulfilling their dreams with a trip to the David Beckham Football Academy in Greenwich, London. Haemophilia Society Chief Executive, Chris James says:

"All the young people are affected by bleeding disorders like haemophilia, which means that their blood doesn't clot properly. They often suffer painful bleeding and miss out on the sports, hobbies and school trips that their friends can do. That's why the Haemophilia Society will be taking the 50 youngsters on the trip of the lifetime between August 11th and 14th 2008. Although most of the young people need regular injections of medication to stop their bleeding, they will train with a team of coaches hand-selected by David Beckham himself!

"On their three-day trip, they will get the chance to know other young people who understand what they go through, learn about how to cope with their lifelong condition, and play football in the world-class facilities of the David Beckham Academy. It's the first time so many young people with bleeding disorders have gone on this kind of trip, which has been made possible with the sponsorship of Bayer HealthCare."

-- A bleeding disorder is a problem in the body's blood clotting system. There are over 20,000 people diagnosed with a bleeding disorder in the UK. Symptoms include bruising, nosebleeds, and painful bleeding into joints and muscles.

-- Different types of bleeding disorders exist including Haemophilia which is the most well-known one and is an inherited condition that usually runs in families. Von Willebrand's Disease is also usually a hereditary disorder. Up to 1 in 10 people may have this condition but many are not aware it exists.

-- The treatments for bleeding disorders are very good, allowing children to lead full and active lives and take part in sports.

The David Beckham Academy is a football training school set up in Greenwich by David Beckham.

The Haemophilia Society is the national charity for people affected by bleeding disorders. They have been running children's holidays for over 10 years.

http://www.haemophilia.org.uk