Duchess’s support sought for charity

AN Oldham family is seeking royal support in highlighting the disease that has devastated their lives.

Eric Armitage (60) — who was struck down by the terminal neurological condition Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) when he was 53 — and his loved ones are hoping support from Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, will give the little-known illness greater recognition.

Eric, his family, friends and supporters are hoping the duchess will become a patron of the MSA Trust after hearing how the illness devastated her own family. The duchess lost her grandfather, Ronald Goldsmith (72), to the condition in 2003.

Eric’s wife, Angela, is appealing for as many Oldhamers as possible to support their campaign by writing to the duchess, at Kensington Palace, and asking her to support the charity.

Despite deteriorating almost daily, Angela says Eric is determined to carry on his crusade and seeing the duchess as patron of the MSA Trust is one of his major goals.