Today we announced our new name, DDH UK, to the media.

Initially a celebration of one young DDH sufferer’s journey, we have seen rapid growth and a swift expansion since being launched in late October 2015. As well as offering around the clock support for parents and adult sufferers alike, the team has also been involved in medical collaborations and speaking at conferences.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) occurs when the head of the femur doesn’t correctly fit in the socket. Early detection is crucial as the later a diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the more likely patients are to spend their life in pain, facing early age arthritis and hip replacements.

Between 2 – 3 in every 1,000 babies are treated for DDH in the U.K each year, but despite these numbers, awareness and understanding are poor and parents often have little or no support after diagnosis.

Natalie Trice, Founder of DDH UK and Author of Cast Life, said, “Whilst DDH isn’t life threatening, it has been totally life changing for us. Watching my son go though endless operations and spending months recovering has been heartbreaking, but it inspired me to change the situation. I set up Spica Warrior to stop others feeling the despair and isolation I experienced and we are really achieving this. As well as helping hundreds of people around the world, in the past 13 months we have attending events, secured a Paralympic swimmer as our Patron and a Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon is our Medical Advisor.

She added. “We believe DDH UK is a game changing charity and the new name reflects this. It takes Lucas out of the spotlight but Spica Warrior remains our mascot and my brave son’s spirit and determination will be reflected in all we do to raise awareness of DDH and support those on their journey towards healthy hips.”

Jo Burkill, 34, mum to recently diagnosed Georgia from St Albans added: “Getting the DDH diagnosis was very much like stumbling into a dark room. I felt very alone until I found the DDH UK support group on Facebook. Meeting mums & adult sufferers – fellow ‘warriors’ – in real life was amazing and meant I had people to talk to. DDH UK is the light in the dark and we would be in a very different place right now without them.”

Gemma Almond, Paralympic swimmer and DDH UK Patron, commented, “The more I work with DDH UK, the more I see how this charity would’ve helped my parents when I was a child going through surgery. The number of people receiving support is growing every day, and I think it is just the beginning. The new website is a clear, easy to use resource and the growing forum is creating a supportive international community. I look forward to getting more involved, contributing to the charity blog and working on fundraising events so we can really make a difference and put DDH on the map.” 

ENDS