Copeland models futuristic arthritis suit

DAPPER draper Louis Copeland yesterday donned a €30,000 suit — and found it a painful experience.

The Fashion guru was suited up by Ireland rugby star Shane Horgan. Louis wanted to replicate how it feels to be one of the 400,000 people with crippling osteoarthritis.

“I wore the suit for less than an hour and I could already feel it beginning to dominate my activity and hinder my efforts to do my work. Never mind using a scissors to cut a bit of cloth, simply walking up the stairs in our shop left me in serious difficulty,” he said.

The renowned tailor wore the futuristic arthritis suit to launch Arthritis Ireland’s Feel the Pain osteoarthritis (OA) awareness initiative.

OA is caused by wear and tear to the joints. Some people are more susceptible than others. Women in Ireland are twice as likely to suffer as men.

Louis expressed astonishment at the outfit’s ability to induce pain in his hands, ankles, back and elsewhere when performing these everyday activities.

The suit is designed to constrict movement and inflict topical pain with its “ouch pouches”.

Arthritis Ireland CEO John Church said the suit had been brought to Ireland to show people with OA pain that they need not suffer in silence.

“We hope that this awareness campaign will deliver a greater understanding of OA and persuade people who are experiencing OA pain to talk to their doctor about finding solutions to their situation.

‘‘There is, as yet, no cure for OA but people with OA can take control of their lives utilising a variety of strategies. These can include access to pain-relieving medication or non-drug approaches such as low weight bearing exercises, diet and some forms of complimentary therapies,” he said.

www.arthritisireland.ie

www.louiscopeland.com