Victims of Air Related DVT Association

• Founded April 29 2001

• Founders:  Ruth Christoffersen & Farrol Kahn

• Patron: Dr. Chris Steele

• Chair: Ruth Christoffersen

• Mission Statement “To Promote Public Awareness on Air Related DVT”

• Contact: Brenda Wilson: 01942 723865

VARDA is unique. It is made up of victims whose lives have been tragically touched by DVT associated with flying. Whether we have lost loved ones or are survivors, we are all victims and our lives will never be the same again. 

Because VARDA is a victim’s organisation it can offer something that is from the heart. Memory of loved ones or our experience of surviving a life threatening illness drives our mission. What organisation is better placed therefore to offer support and counselling to others similarly affected? VARDA is the essentially human side of an avoidable illness the full devastating extent and consequences of which, remain largely unknown.

VARDA also has an essential role in raising awareness. The increased signs that airlines are now highlighting DVT in their in-flight literature is welcome if long overdue evidence that our message really is now getting across. Much more, however needs to be done if the air-travelling public is to be better informed and better prepared, before, during and after flying. VARDA must be at the sharp end of this on-going campaign because no one knows better than we do of the potentially tragic consequences of ignorance. And whilst some may see the airlines as adversaries in this campaign, far better that those same airlines should find in VARDA, a responsible, caring organisation, devoted not to irresponsible scare-mongering but rather to advancing the noble cause of healthy flying. That is surely in all of our interests whether we run airlines or just choose to use them as our means of travel.

VARDA can also take justifiable credit for the extent to which it has assisted the development of cross party political awareness both in Westminster and in Brussels. There is massive potential for future action on the political fronts both nationally and in Europe and VARDA needs to be in there with our parliamentary colleagues, again representing the human side of this issue as nobody else can. There is also a need for national governments to push for and to financially support research. In this respect there is much unfinished business within the World Health Organisation and VARDA can add its weight to those pressing for answers.

All this represents an agenda for future action. VARDA is not in the business of self-perpetuating the organisation unnecessarily. VARDA wants no publicity seekers who are members for purely selfish motives. VARDA earnestly believes it still has a vital job to do. One day, hopefully, but probably not in our lifetime, VARDA will have fulfilled its mission. Until then we need to “keep the faith” and above all, to keep our sense of purpose and our firm resolve to see positive changes that will help to save lives. The cause we represent is far larger than any one individual in it and we surely owe it to all those whom we have lost to see it through to the end, together.

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