Walkers go the distance to help those with MS
Members and friends of the Chilterns MS Centre braved the rain on 22 September to walk, wheel and scoot around Aylesbury town centre. Spirits were not dampened as 150 walkers and riders of all ages took part in the 1 mile walk to create awareness of the Centre and to raise vital funds that help to keep the charity going.
This year over £12,000 has been raised – the largest amount from a single walk in the history of the event. This will provide over 300 hours of treatment to members of the Centre who live with multiple sclerosis (MS), to help them to manage their symptoms and lead the best life they can. People like Nathan, who was one of the ambassadors of this year’s walk.
When asked about the walk afterwards, Nathan said “I was joined on the walk by my family and was overwhelmed by the response from the public and support from the volunteers, despite the weather. It was a huge achievement for me to walk a mile and I am grateful to have been able to complete the walk. I couldn’t have done this without the help from the MS Centre who have supported me. I am so pleased I was able to be an ambassador this year to promote the most successful ‘Walk the MS Mile’ yet. The money that has been raised so far is incredible.”
Gemma Hill, Communications Officer at the Centre, said “Despite the weather there was a fantastic community atmosphere. We were so grateful to the Mayor of Aylesbury for joining us and to the fantastic support that Wes and the team from Mix96 have given us in the run up to the event and at the walk itself. As well as raising money for our charity, this event is about spreading the word about what the Centre can offer to local people living with MS. There are still people with MS in the community that don’t know we are here and how we could support them. We usually see a higher rate of referrals to us after events such as Walk the MS Mile”.
MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease that causes a wide range of symptoms including difficulties with mobility, balance, impaired vision and bladder problems. Living with MS can be tough but many symptoms can be treated with physio, hydro, oxygen, complementary and occupational therapies. 550 people with MS, just like Nathan, are members of the Centre, enabling them to access this practical, physical treatment and also the emotional support they need.
Sponsorship and donations will be accepted until Sunday 07 October at www.walkthemsmile.org.