Our campaign is now complete. 108 supporters helped us raise £7,862.00
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The Chilterns MS Centre supports around 600 people. That's 600 lives changed as a result of our amazing clinicians, volunteers and the wonderful team behind them and it's not just people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Thanks to our bold new pilot programme which we began last year, we are able to support people with Parkinson's Disease and stroke survivors. However, we cannot do it without your help and that is why we have launched our Spring Appeal - the Power of Physio.
The video below features our Interim Head of Integrated Clinical Services, Lou Grace, as she describes the incredible difference the Centre makes to the lives of people with neurological conditions as well as their carers.
Everything Lou says is only possible thanks to the amazing support and donations we receive from our community. As she mentioned, the Centre gives so much hope for the future for anyone diagnosed with MS, Parkinsons or stroke survivors. One of our lovely members, Patrick Burke, sums up the difference physio at the Centre has made to his life.
Chris lives near Leighton Buzzard with his wife Kathy and has been supported by the Chilterns MS Centre since 2005. He first came to the Centre two years after his diagnosis with MS, while he was a Community Team Inspector with Dacorum Police, and regular physiotherapy enabled him to stay mobile and active in the Police Service until he took medical retirement in 2008 after 29 years as a serving officer. Now 63, Chris uses a power wheelchair and continuing treatment twice a week is enabling him to maintain some independence.
I came here on the advice of my consultant because my gait was changing and my walking was getting slower. Without a doubt, physiotherapy here helped me to remain as supple and strong as I could be and to maintain a level of fitness that enabled me to do my job, and I had acupuncture too for pain relief. This helped my situation at work and my performance as a police officer and I was grateful that work let me come here.
Kathy can also see the benefits of our Centre.
It's a real support - the feeling that you're not just drifting in a downward spiral. The physios here are always very positive. You need continuity, and that's what Chris has been able to benefit from here.
Membership of the Centre grew by over a quarter in the last year as more and more people with MS, Parkinson's and stroke survivors seek the support we offer. This means that even more people are able to get the mental and physical help they need, help that is not available on the NHS, enabling them to live their best lives.
However, all of this comes at a significant cost. This year, our physiotherapy costs alone amount to £330,292. We need to raise this money from generous donations every year and that is why we are asking if you could help us by donating to our Power of Physio Spring Appeal.
We know the cost of living crisis is affecting so many people right now but thanks to the generosity of a local family trust, all new or increased support we secure will be match funded, up to the value of £30,000 this year, doubling the impact of your donation on people with neurological conditions as well as their carers. Your generosity really will make a big difference.
Every £1 you donate to this appeal will be doubled to £2 for the Centre or £2.25 if we are able to claim Gift Aid on your donation.
£13 could pay for a bike and stand physio session for four people
£77 could pay for a 1-2-1 physiotherapy session
£669 could pay for one day of physio appointments
If you are able to donate then please do so. Thank you.
You can stay up-to-date with the work of the Chilterns MS Centre by signing up to our fortnightly newsletter or by following us on Facebook .
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