National Lottery Funds Local Physiotherapy Treatment

A local charity that offers life-enhancing therapy to people in the Chilterns area affected by MS is celebrating the first payment of a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK.  The Chilterns MS Centre, based in Wendover, has been awarded £300,000 over the next three years to support their physiotherapy service.

The Centre provides the service free of charge to people with MS but has to raise over £400,000 a year to continue to offer the therapy for free to its members.  The grant will go a long way towards funding the service for the next three years and comes at a crucial time when general donations are declining and the charity’s funding from the NHS has also been reduced.  In this uncertain economic climate, the Centre must rely on the generosity of its supporters and other grants in order to meet its overall running costs of £1.2million annually.

Multiple Sclerosis is a life-long neurological condition that can result in many symptoms including fatigue, reduced mobility, poor balance and bladder problems.  There is no cure but regular exercise and targeted physiotherapy can help people to improve their mobility and reduce joint stiffness, enabling them to stay in work for longer and continue enjoying family and social activities.

“We are so grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting this much-needed service. Thanks to National Lottery players, many of the 1500+ people in our area affected by MS will receive this treatment, enabling them to lead healthier and happier lives”

Faye Chappell, Head of Clinical Services

The charity would also like to give special thanks to Community Impact Bucks, who supported them through the application process.

If you would like details about how you can support the charity, or for further information about the Chilterns MS Centre visit chilternsmscentre.org.