Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig attends Portsmouth bone conference

The Portsmouth event helps raise awareness of osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to weaken.

Craig is a patron of the National Osteoporosis Society and, as well as giving a talk at the conference held at the Mountbatten Centre, he judged a dancing competition.

More than 600 people attended to get information on the illness as well as meet medical professionals from Queen Alexandra Hospital and other care services.

Craig told The News: ‘I think the conference is a great way to raise awareness and it’s important that people know the work the society has done over the last 30 years.

‘It is great to find out what the charity has done to help raise awareness.

‘It has been amazing to see so many come along and shows how important this conference is for people with osteoporosis, their carers and the service providers.

‘I work in an industry that relies heavily on muscles and bones. It is really important. Dance is a great way to strengthen the body.’

Doreen Clabon, from Southsea, has attended the Love Your Bones conference before. She was impressed with the number of stalls giving information and the talk by Craig.

She said: ‘It was a very good event. I like to come down to see what improvements have been made to help people with osteoporosis. It’s great that Craig came down. The conference is getting better every year.’

Joyce Harlow, from Swanwick, has been going to the conference for the last three years. She has osteoporosis.

‘I always get a lot of information when I come here,’ she said.

‘As someone with osteoporosis, I find it helpful. I think having the medical professionals here is a good idea.’

Chief executive of National Osteoporosis Society Claire Severgnini added: ‘This year has been really interesting and people are so engaging in learning about bone health.

‘It was great to have Craig here who is a fabulous patron for the charity.’