March: Cheltenham MS Society

Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. The severity of the disease varies markedly among sufferers and is characterised by a multiple, patchy pattern of disabilities. These may vary in site and time with unpredictable episodes of disease activity and remission. It often starts in early adult life and the type of long-term damage it causes will depend on which part of the nervous system has been affected.

The Cheltenham & North Cotswold Branch of the MS Society has been in existence since January 1984. This local group aims to be self-supporting, although allied to the National Society, and are very appreciative of our help. They are very clear that any money raised locally is used locally. There is a very strong emphasis on welfare and support for the whole family. Funds are short at the moment and the group is anxious to be able to continue to help with respite care which gives such a valuable rest to the carer. With the awareness that suffers of MS may have young families there is concern for the needs of these young carers, and they have a specific young carers fund. Young carers are being helped towards the cost of driving lessons, as this is such a valuable skill for them to acquire. Money is also made available for people with MS who want to access further education.

The Society wishes to be accessible for anyone affected by MS and can be easily contacted. A monthly newsletter is produced and they are very active and hold regular meetings for members. Carers are invited to coffee mornings at accessible local venues such as garden centres or supermarkets. The social group for younger or newly diagnosed people is thriving and they have regular meetings. Hydrotherapy classes are held at the Leonard Cheshire Home. Exercises groups include a conductive education class and a physiotherapy class. These are run by professionals and are therefore expensive for the support group to provide. Sadly the current shortage of funds means that some other initiatives have had to be put on hold to meet the identified priorities, so I hope we can play a generous part.

If anyone would like to help on a voluntary basis please ring the Branch Contact on: 01452 862822.

For more information click here to find out more about the Cheltenham and Cotswold Branch of the MS Society

February: Christian Aid's Haiti Appeal

As you will be aware, a massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti late on 12th January. The epicentre was just to the south of the capital Port-au-Prince, causing devastation across the city and beyond, wrecking buildings, and thousands of people are reported homeless, missing or dead. This is the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in two centuries, and is a terrible event with wide ranging consequences for the people and country as a whole. As well as being a humanitarian tragedy, the impact will be all the more severe on Haiti given its position as the poorest country in the western hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world.

Christian Aid has an office in Haiti, based in Port au Prince, from which it co-ordinates work across the country. It also has an office in the Dominican Republic and the two offices work together on a range of projects. When the Congregational Federation Team visited the Dominican Republic in November they spent a week with the two Christian Aid Managers, Prospery Raymond (Haiti) and Sophie Richmond (Dominican Republic). Amongst the many buildings destroyed in the earthquake was the Christian Aid offices in Haiti, but thankfully Prospery was not injured. His concern now is that there is not enough food in the country to feed the people, nor drinking water.

It is too early to say how long it will take for the country to get back on its feet, but it is estimated that the cost of repairs could run into billions of dollars.

What can we do? Our response at Highbury is to make the Christian Aid Appeal for Haiti our Chosen Charity for February.

Also, to pray for everybody affected by the earthquake; to give thanks for the safety of Christian Aid staff in Haiti and ask for them, and all those helping with the disaster effort, to have strength and courage to deal with their own personal and country-wide loss ....

Loving God of creation,

at this time of devastation we hold before you the people of Haiti.

When the damage is unimaginable, and the suffering seems overwhelming, remind us that every person affected is loved,

honoured and precious in your sight.

We remember all those who have been hurt;

all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.

Work through us to bring healing to broken and distorted lives,

peace to those who have been thrown into despair,

light to those in darkness, and hope to those who fear.

We ask this in the name of Jesus in whom all life and grace is found. Amen.

“Prayer for Haiti” comes from Christian Aid.