This year marks the 50th anniversary of the horrendous thalidomide drug catastrophe which left thousands with congenital limb deformities which shocked the world.

A pan-European organisation is next week launching a new website called DysNet to connect thousands of families around the globe whose lives are affected by thalidomide and and limb differences. It will provide the latest information and support, as well as research and historical documentation.

It’s the brainchild of a group of thalidomiders from across Europe who realise that although they are approaching fifty years old, there are many younger people with congenital limb differences in the world with whom they can share their experiences of how to lead independent and fulfilled lives.

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the thalidomide generation. Half a century ago, the thalidomide drug was finally withdrawn from circulation in the face of overwhelming evidence that it caused birth defects, most characteristically, shortened arms and legs.

The EDRIC group (European Dysmelia Reference Information Centre) which is launching the website is chaired by thalidomider and former BBC veteran Geoof Adamson-Spink (pic). The launch is promoted by a PR colleague, Tania Tirraoro, who runs the Special Needs Jungle website and  is a speaker at a conference I am promoting for families and professionals involved with special educational needs, Towards a Positive Difference.

Geoff said: “There are many small support groups dotted around Europe and the rest of the world of people with various forms of dysmelia. We want to bring all of their knowledge together so people can find the answers they need and also contribute to the database from their own experiences. We believe this will  improve the lives of people with limb differences everywhere.”

I wish them every success. The website link is here.

This is a link to their Facebook site.