The 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
Our 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 they provide respite care or holidays that benefit both the person with MS and their families. The reduction of funding to Social Services makes this a particular problem as they rarely have suitable respite provision for young sufferers. Help can be given towards adaptations, appliances or aids that are not supplied by statutory bodies and again more people will be looking to charities as Social Services provides less. 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.
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. The next meeting for carers will be on Tuesday 17th March at 12mid-day at The Bell Inn Shurdington. The Annual Meeting of the Branch will take place on Saturday 11th April at 2:30pm at St Mark's Methodist Church Hall, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham. After the meeting there will be a short talk by a member of the local branch of REMAP, a group of volunteer engineers who do modifications to equipment for disabled people, so this should be an interesting talk. There will also be tea and cakes.
MS week is from Monday 27th April to Sunday 3rd May. On Sunday 26th April the local branch is organising the inaugural Severn Bridge Walk - a super way to start MS Week! The accessible 6 mile route will start and finish near the services giving some spectacular views. There will also be face painting, games for children and refreshments to make it a fun family friendly event. Registration fee is just £10 and children are free. Why not register today to show your commitment to beating MS and raising funds for the branch?
The main source of revenue for the local branch is the annual street collection and the branch would be very grateful for offers of help with this, please.
If anyone would like to help on a voluntary basis, to do whatever is needed to help people affected by MS, whether that’s driving minibuses, running support groups, raising money, editing websites, volunteering on the helpline or writing newsletters, etc ... contact Cheltenham branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society
Please let us support this very worthwhile cause generously.
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