About SNAC
Supporting children and young people with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis across Scotland since 2008.
Our Story
SNAC was established by parents who understood the challenges of raising a child with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. They recognised the importance of connecting families, sharing experiences and ensuring that no one had to face the journey alone.
Our Mission
SNAC exists to provide factual, practical, and emotional support for children with arthritis and their families. We work with children and families across Scotland while raising public awareness of childhood arthritis.
Support Families
Build Community
Share Trusted Information
Meet the Team
Meet our dedicated trustees and volunteers who give their time to support families across Scotland.

Lois Freeland
Trustee – Chair
Mum of two children, including a son who was diagnosed with arthritis at age 3.
Joined the committee in 2019 after reaching out to SNAC for support and attending some educational events. Inspired by the children and their families we have met, the team juggling committee roles with work and family life, and the sense of community that has been established in Scotland.
Lesley Rose
Lesley Rose - Vice Chair
Bio to follow
Karen Barrie
Turstee – Secretary
I am originally from Aberdeenshire but now live in Glasgow. My daughter has polyarticular JIA and Uveitis and was diagnosed at 17 months old. She is now a super active teenager who loves dance and musical theatre.
I joined the committee after attending a wonderful SNAC family weekend, as I wanted to try and give a little something back for all the help and support SNAC has given our family over the years.
Lyndsay Martin
Trustee – Treasurer
Mum of two boys from Glasgow. My oldest was diagnosed with Jia in 2015 aged 8 and my youngest was diagnosed in 2020 also aged 8.
I joined the snac committee to give back after a few years of attending fun and informative events, and meeting lots of children and parents facing the same challenges. SNAC has been invaluable to our family.

Kirstin Weir
Trustee - Paid Admin
Mum of 4 from the Isle of Arran. My daughter was diagnosed with JIA at 15 months and uveitis when 4.
I love supporting SNAC – it’s such an amazing charity, and it has made a real, positive difference to Rosanna and our whole family. Being part of SNAC allows me to help other families navigate the challenges of childhood arthritis, and to see the smiles and support the charity brings makes it all truly worthwhile.

Charley Napier
Trustee
Daughter of Kirstin. Big sister of Rosanna.
I was 12 years old when my sister was diagnosed with JIA, and I became involved in helping with her care, including giving injections and supporting her through appointments. I’ve continued to be closely involved in her care and have attended many of her hospital visits over the years.
I joined SNAC as a trustee because I was inspired by the way the charity supports the whole family, not just the child who is diagnosed. Siblings are often overlooked, but we are an important part of the journey, and I want to help make sure that is recognised and supported.

Anna Sherriffs
Trustee
Anna is our first young person with JIA to join our board of Trustees.
Since diagnosis of JIA at age 3, I have always been involved with SNAC and recently joined as a trustee to try and help out the wonderful charity further. SNAC has given me so much over the years and I am now lucky enough to give something back!

Gillian Costley
Trustee
Mum to two girls from Edinburgh, my oldest was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis when she was 18 months old. She was also diagnosed with uveitis 2 years later.
I reached out to SNAC for support as I struggled to come to terms with my daughter’s diagnosis. Even with a background in community pharmacy and care, I had never heard of JIA. Without the support from SNAC and meeting others I wouldn’t have coped. JIA impacts the whole family and SNAC plays a vital role in supporting the whole family. I joined to support others in the same situation and for the continued support it gives my family.

Dr Jo Walsh
Trustee
Consultant at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow who has worked in partnership with SNAC over 10 years. Committed to supporting the strong collaborative work between SNAC and SPARN and the care of children and young people with JIA.
A very special word of thanks
Since SNAC was founded in 2008, many parents have served on our committee, helping to shape our work and make SNAC what it is today. In grateful recognition of their passion, dedication, and countless contributions to the SNAC family, we are pleased to express our thanks to:
Dr Joyce Davidson, Gillian Dougan, Alastair and Caroline Campbell, Fiona Cowie, Fiona Donaldson, Gemma Farrant, Steven French, Carla Houston, Duncan Johnson, Dorothy Kent, Morag Millar, Kate O’Donnell, Scott Sweeney, Willie Templeton, Jackie Byrne, Andy Williams, Ruth Wyatt, Fiona Craig, Jenni Catto, Gemma Farrant and Michael Kent and many more volunteers.
