I've been friends with John Hambly (Chairman of TheSamson Centre) for 8 years now. We met, as we needed a Chartered Surveyor for a loft extension we were having done to our home and John was recommended to us. We have remained good friends since, sharing a keen interest in both rugby and Chelsea F.C ! John played rugby to a high level himself before his career was sadly curtailed by the onset of Multiple Sclerosis.
Despite suffering with the disabling and exhausting symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, John has demonstrated incredible strength of character and determination in selflessly committing his efforts to helping other Multiple Sclerosis sufferers. He set up a charitable organisation called theSamson Centre, based in Guildford,Surrey. Please click on the web link (www.samsoncentre.org.uk) for further details.
John Says:-
The Samson Centre is the home of the MS Therapy Group (Guildford); a charity which aims to support MS sufferers and their families. Following a successful fundraising campaign which started in the summer of 2003, West Surrey now has a dedicated MS resource and therapy centre, providing both practical and emotional support, through physiotherapy, fitness programmes, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, complementary therapies and counselling.
The charity relies almost entirely on income derived from the fundraising efforts and donations of our members and supporters. In the case of the latter, we are hugely indebted to our intrepid runners, walkers, cyclists and skydivers and, of course, to all their families, friends and colleagues for such generous sponsorship.
Clive and Pete in particular have been in the vanguard as far as fundraising goes. Having completed Paris to London for us back in September 2007, Clive then embarked on the Etape Caledonia for Samson last year and has managed to persuade Pete to join him again this year. Our collective heartfelt thanks and best wishes go out to you both – guys like you are our lifeblood.
This disease may officially be incurable but that does not mean it is untreatable. The Samson Centre provides invaluable support as people learn to live with and manage MS.
So for the second year running, myself and a team of 8 other riders will embark on the The Etape Caledonia which has broken new ground in the UK, as the first ever timed mass participation cycling road race on closed roads. This year the 134km (83-mile) course promises to be even more competitive, with up to 4,000 riders. There are over 2,000 metres of hill climbs in the stunning surroundings of highland Perthshire, so it promises to offer stern challenge to all who are competing.
It is, in the grand scheme of things, a small gesture that we are making but one we hope people will acknowledge is for a very valuable cause….a project set up to enhance the quality of life of people who suffer the terribly debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis.
So…we are asking you to please dig deep for us and theSamson Centre. As with all charitable organisations, every penny really does make a huge difference.
Many thanks,
Clive Noel
