Conference Sessions

VEDS Conference 2025 Day 1 Welcome, Introductions and Scene Setting, presented by Jared Griffin, Founder & CEO of Annabelle's Challenge.

A unique collaboration between Annabelle's Challenge and a highly specialised NHS EDS Service, presented by Dr Glenda Sobey and Dr Fleur van Dijk.

Genetics of vEDS- anything new, presented by Duncan Baker, Musculoskeletal and Respiratory services lead and Clinical Scientist.

Vascular EDS overview / Managing other medical conditions when you have vEDS, presented by Dr Emily Woods, Clinical Genetics Registrar.

Cardiology and surveillance in vascular EDS, presented by Dr Oliver Watson, Consultant Cardiologist.

Self-advocacy and emergency preparedness – doing it well! presented by Juliette Harris, Genetic Counsellor with Jacqui Fish & Gemma Hasnaoui, Emergency Care Project Team.

Current and future research prospects - NEEDS Study, presented by Dr Fleur van Dijk, Consultant Clinical Geneticist.

Living well with vEDS - A patient view/lived experience, presented by Sophie Leftley.

Living well with vEDS, presented by Dr Neeti Ghali, Consultant Clinical Geneticist.

Living well with vEDS - A patient view/lived experience, presented by Ryan Winter.

Medications & Treatments in vEDS, presented by Jessica Bowen, Genetic Counsellor.

Exercise-based lifestyle intervention programme, presented by Ian Thistlewood, PhD Student.

The Road to 2026 - The EDS Society, presented by Lara Bloom, CEO of The Ehlers-Danlos Society.

Conference Day 1 closing remarks by David Catterall DL, Chair of Annabelle's Challenge.

Conference Day 2 Welcome, presented by Jared Griffin, CEO of Annabelle's Challenge.

Living with vEDS: What are the affects of partner relationships and family planning, presented by Angharad Cullinane, Trainee Genetic Counsellor.

Mental Health & Wellbeing - How to access the Annabelle's Challenge Counselling Service, presented by Zubyda Azzam, Lead Counsellor.

Conference Photos

Feedback Survey
We were delighted Annabelle's Challenge once again jointly hosted a Vascular EDS Conference with the EDS Service, a highly specialised service commissioned by NHS England.

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

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

Conference Programme

Village Hotel, Manchester UK

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

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