About the Charity

Learn more about the history of TAG

The Arthrogryposis Group (TAG) was founded by Diana Piercy.  Diana had a daughter Sarah in 1980 who was born with Arthrogryposis. When Sarah was almost two, Diana was put in touch with another parent whose child had the same condition and the knowledge that she was not alone brought tremendous comfort and relief. Although there had been a suggestion of a group back in 1981 nothing had happened and Diana knew that there must be other parents and adults with AMC feeling that same isolation.

In April 1984 Diana was in contact with just 6 other people in the country and decided to establish the support group. Diana produced a newsletter for members and in 1986 when membership reached 55, she organised the first national conference for families and professionals. For the families this was a first chance to meet others, exchange experiences and learn more about the condition from the medical profession. There was an incredible atmosphere of understanding, warmth and friendship that weekend, which TAG has continued through Contact, Support and Information. It was at this 1986 conference where a Committee was formed and a constitution adopted allowing TAG to become a registered charity in 1987. During its peak in the 1990s TAG held the Annual Conference in a different part of the UK each year to allow as many people as possible to attend. Up to 100 families would attend each year in addition to the many local events held everywhere from Scotland to the South West.

In 1994 the first TAG Camp was held in Wales for 10 young people with AMC. They tried a range of outdoor activities from canoeing to abseiling and saw for the first time who AMC doesn’t have to limit what they can do. Over 20 years later, it is now a central part of TAG’s work.