What does the Chilterns MS Centre do?
The Chilterns MS Centre provides treatment and services to over 550 people a year living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Buckinghamshire and the surrounding counties. MS is a disease of the central nervous system that can lead to progressive disability and there is no cure. Symptoms can affect people in different ways so there is no “one solution fits all” treatment. Through physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, oxygen therapy, complementary and occupational therapies, the Centre helps its members gain greater control over their MS, empowering them to lead happy and healthy lives. This type of long term support is not available on the NHS and many people using the Centre have described it as a lifeline.
The Chilterns MS Centre doesn’t just focus on medical treatments. It also offers support in other ways, including a social group, art therapy and gardening group. These give additional support through shared experiences and friendship, as well as helping people to do something they love, like painting or tending to flowers.
One of the benefits of the Centre is that it also supports the families and carers of those affected by MS too, through counselling, physiotherapy and support groups.
The Centre costs over £1 million pounds to run each year and receives only 10% funding from the NHS. It therefore relies on the generous donations from its members, the general public and business in the area. One way in which people can make a donation is by doing a challenge event to raise money from friends and family. Ben Parry is one such person. He is riding 250k around Wendover on the longest day (24th June) to raise awareness of MS and raise money for the Centre, as it supports his wife Abi who has MS.
“This is a charity very close to my heart as my wonderful and amazing wife, Abi suffers from MS. The staff at the Chilterns MS centre provide her with support when needed, and ongoing treatment…. so now I want to give something back!
I’m inspired by the work of Chilterns MS Centre and wanted to support them by raising money so that they can provide treatment to more people.” Ben Parry.
The Centre will also be matching Ben on his cycle ride by hosting a static bike ride at World’s End Garden Centre on the same day, where riders will be cycling in 1 hour slots. Ben will start and finish his ride at the garden centre, and will also stop there after every 20 laps for a pit stop. As well as looking for people to ride for them, the charity will also be collecting donations during the event.
If you would like to take part or donate please email fundraising@chilternsmscentre.org or call 01296 823040.
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