This week, I hosted a reception in Parliament to mark Rark Disease Day 2014 with Rare Disease UK – the national alliance for people with rare diseases and all who support them.

There are around 6000 recognised rare diseases, and although the number of people affected by each one is small, 1 in 17 people will be affected by a rare disease at some point in their lives – that’s around 3.5 million people in total.

We need to increase awareness about rare diseases, and ensure there are improvements in research, diagnosis, treatment, care and ongoing support. I’m pleased the Government has recently published a UK Rare Diseases Strategy. I will be working alongside patients, their families and the organisations that represent them to make sure this is now effectively implemented.