PO Box 773
Guildford
GU1 1XN

Tel (Helpline): 01483 306637
Tel (Admin): 01483 534431
Web: www.perthes.org.uk

The Perthes Association is an association for people with Perthes' disease and other forms of osteochondritis. The Association is an entirely voluntary organisation founded in 1976. The Association aims to help and advise families of children suffering from Perthes' disease and associated conditions. These include the following:

• MED (multiple epiphyseal dysplasia).
• Other forms of osteochondritis such as Sever's disease, Kohler's disease, Osgood-Schlatter's disease and Scheuerman's disease.

The Association gives advice on practical and financial help available. Perthes Association volunteers are 'at the end of the telephone line' for any worried or distressed parents, and will visit them if possible or put them in touch with a family living locally. They produce a quarterly newsletter, and have a flourishing pen pal programme.

Fund raising events have enabled the Association to buy such things as Major buggies, wheelchairs and moveable seats, which are loaned entirely free to members. They have also bought almost 130 hand propelled trikes which are loaned to children in splints or plaster, to enable them to play with their friends. The long term aim is to raise sufficient funds to be able to contribute to research programmes into the cause and possible cure of Perthes' disease and other forms of osteochondritis.