A FORMER Bedale resident is helping a charity which has played a major part in her life mark its 50th anniversary - by taking part in 50 weeks of activities and challenges.

Angie Stewart is aiming to raise as much money as possible for the Brittle Bone Society (BBS) as it marks its 50th year in existence.

Angie, 40, suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a genetic bone disorder characterised by fragile bones which break easily, also known as brittle bone disease. It is thought approximately 5,000 people are living in the UK with the disorder.

Angie suffered multiple fractures as a baby, suffering more than 45 broken bones before Osteogenesis Imperfecta was diagnosed. Her parent struggled with the medical prognosis, as they went back and forth from hospital with their daughter, who often suffered further breaks and even a dislocated hip while in hospital.

Eventually they came into contact with the Brittle Bone Society.

The charity has been involved with Angie and her family ever since and she is now a trustee.

She also recently helped set up a North-East group, supporting about 25 families in Cumbria, the North-East and North Yorkshire.

“The charity is essential really," said Angie.

"It’s definitely saved lives; it’s improved access to emotional support, peer support, information and advice and lets families know they’re not alone.

“The organised has progressed so much over the years; there’s even a medical advisory board now.”

Growing up, she said people in Bedale, Northallerton and the surrounding area were hugely supportive of the charity over the years, raising funds for it with everything from raffles, to sports events.

She said: “People did so much locally.

“Over the years we used to collect aluminium cans, we would open the curtains in the morning and there would be a couple of bin bags of cans outside the door.”

Angie, has now moved to Newcastle, but her parents remain in Bedale.

To mark the double celebration of the charity’s 50th anniversary and her own 40th birthday this year, Angie has invited people to set her challenges over the course of the year to raise money for the Brittle Bone Society.

So far, challenges have included a “spaghetti hoops” challenge, having buckets of spaghetti hoops thrown at her and a singing challenge.

To sponsor Angie Stewart, visit her JustGiving page; http://www.justgiving.com/Angie40in50

For more information on the Brittle Bone Society visit; brittlebone.org