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We are delighted Annabelle's Challenge are once again jointly hosting a Vascular EDS Conference with the EDS Service, a highly specialised service commissioned by NHS England for individuals and families who are suspected to have complex Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

The conference takes place Saturday 10 & Sunday 11, May at the Village Hotel Bury, Manchester UK.

The theme of the conference is Living Well with vEDS and the programme will include a mixture of medical presentations from vEDS experts, research updates and workshops. The vEDS conference is a great opportunity for patients and families touched by the condition to meet others, share experience and form lasting friendships. 

Registration is free for medical professionals and vEDS members of Annabelle's Challenge. 

We will be hosting an evening Meet & Greet for delegates arriving on Friday 9, May.

BOOK TICKETS
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Saturday 10, May

8:00am – 9:30am

Registration


9:30am – 9:40am

Welcome and Introductions

  • Jared Griffin
  • Dr Glenda Sobey

 

9:40am – 10:00am

A unique collaboration between charity and a highly specialised NHS

  • Dr Glenda Sobey
  • Dr Fleur van Dijk

 

10:00am – 10:15am

Genetics of vEDS – anything new?

  • Duncan Baker

 

10:15am – 10:45am

VEDS overview / Managing other medical conditions when you have vEDS

  • Dr Diana Johnson

 

10:45am – 11:00am

Cardiology and surveillance – anything new?

  • Dr Oliver Watson

 

11:00am – 11:30am   BREAK

 

11:30am – 12:00pm

Breakout Sessions

  • New to vEDS?
  • Self-Advocacy & Emergency Care - Doing it well!
  • Prenatal/Pregnancy


12:00pm – 12:20pm

Scientific vEDS research into 'Variants of Uncertain Significance' and future research possibilities

  • Prof Meena Balasubramanian


12:20pm – 12:40pm

Current and future research prospects - NEEDS Study

  • Dr Fleur van Dijk
  • Dr Neeti Ghali


12:40pm – 12:50pm

Living well with vEDS - A personal experience

  • VEDS Member


12:50pm – 1:00pm

Group Photo


1:00pm – 2:00pm LUNCH


2:00pm – 2:30pm

Breakout Sessions

  • New to vEDS?
  • Self-Advocacy & Emergency Care - Doing it well!
  • Prenatal/Pregnancy


2:30pm – 3:15pm

Discussion Groups

  • Mens Group
  • Teens
  • Parents & Carers
  • Younger adults
  • Ageing with vEDS

 

3:15pm – 3:30pm BREAK


3:30pm – 3:50pm

Living well with vEDS

  • Dr Neeti Ghali


3:50pm – 4:00pm

Living well with vEDS - A personal experience

  • VEDS Member


4:00pm – 4:15pm

Medications & Treatments

  • Jessica Bowen


4:15pm – 4:35pm

Exercise-based lifestyle intervention  

  • Prof Markos Klonizakis
  • Emily Newton
  • Ian Thistlewood


4:35pm – 4:45pm

The Road to 2026 - The EDS Society

  • Lara Bloom

 

4:45pm

Closing Remarks

  • David Catterall DL

 

7:00pm – 7:30pm

Welcome Drinks Reception

 

7:30pm – 11:00pm

Gala Dinner

Sunday 11, May

9:30am – 11:30am

Family Discussion Group (Research participants only)

  • Claire Green
  • Mariangels Ferrer Duch


10:30am - 10:35am

Day 2 Welcome

  • Jared Griffin


10:35am - 10:50am

Exploring how living with vEDS affects partner relationships and family planning

  • Angharad Cullinane


10:50am - 11:00am

Living well with vEDS - A personal experience

  • VEDS Member

 

11:00am - 11:45am

Mental Health & Wellbeing / How to access counselling

  • Zubyda Azzam

 

11:45am - 11:55am

Closing Remarks

  • Jared Griffin


12:00pm

Conference close / Depart at leisure / Access hotel facilities

View Agenda

Village Hotel Manchester

Village Hotel, Manchester UK

Village Hotel Club, Waterfold Business Park, Rochdale Rd, Bury BL9 7BQ
Hotel Accommodation 
Bury boasts excellent transport links, including a Metrolink tram stop, providing a convenient 30-minute journey into Manchester. Immerse yourself in Manchester's vibrant culture, from its renowned museums and fantastic shopping to its lively arts scene and exciting nightlife. 

The Village Hotel is located just off the M66 motorway and has a modern health club with a 25-metre pool, gym, and aerobics studio. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art leisure facilities, and free parking.

A limited number of rooms will be made available for the conference weekend with special rates for Annabelle's Challenge delegates staying Friday and Saturday night or Saturday night only, room rates, per night include breakfast and leisure access.
  • £105 Single Occupancy Standard Double Room
  • £115 Double Occupancy Standard Double Room
  • £130 Single Occupancy Family Room
  • £140 Double Occupancy Family Room
  • £135 Single Occupancy Double Double Rooms
  • £145 Double Occupancy Double Double Rooms
If you would like to book for more than 2 adults in a room, please book online the room you would like, and then ring the events team direct on 0161 762 6020 to arrange adding the 2 extra people onto the booking.

Please contact the events team direct with any additional requests or queries.
Book Accomodation
View Venue

Alternative Hotels

A choice of alternative hotels located within a short 8-15 minute taxi / Uber ride from the Village Hotel Conference Venue:

Kids & Teens Club

Kids and Teens Club
Families will be most welcome at the conference.

We will be providing a variety of sessions to keep our younger members entertained, we hope this will allow parents to fully participate in the conference. 

Please note we can not accept children under the age of 4 into the Kids and Teens club.

Saturday Gala Dinner

Saturday Evening
Join us on the red carpet for a welcome drinks reception sponsored by The Village Hotel before heading to the Inspiration Suite for an evening gala dinner hosted by David Duplex from ICE Entertainment UK. 

Tickets are free for children and adults, simply add to your conference delegate booking.

Airport Transfers

Manchester Airport
International delegates arriving at Manchester Airport will be greeted on arrival and transferred by Nolan Airport Services direct to the Village Hotel. 

This option is available for £90 return for up to 4 passengers.

Your journey from Manchester airport to the conference venue will take approximately 40 minutes.

If you would like to visit London or Europe the nearest train station is Manchester Piccadilly with frequent trains operated by Avanti West Coast. 

The approximate journey time is just over 2 hours from Manchester to central London & St Pancras International. You can also book tickets via trainline. 

Village Hotel, Manchester UK

Village Hotel Club, Waterfold Business Park, Rochdale Rd, Bury BL9 7BQ

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