'TOUR DE FORCE' annual Focus Day for MS Society, Salisbury and District

Thursday, 15 June 2023 01:00

This year's annual MS Focus Day has been described as a 'tour de force', where the local group joined forces with major players to highlight their work being done to fight against Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

MS is an auto-immune disorder which affects the brain and central nervous system.

The Wessex MS Therapy Centre, Warminster, information teams from the MS Trust and the MS Society all contributed talks about their work to improve well-being, to support health professionals and scientific research.

Helen Dowse, Carer's Champion for Salisbury, also spoke about services for carers.

Attendees came from far afield, and the day was topped off by the truly inspirational story from gold-winning Paralympian and MS Ambassador for the MS Society, Stephanie Millward MBE, who was diagnosed with MS when she was 17.

Clockwise from top left: Emma Johnson, Stephanie Millward, Ian Rendle, Jame Edwards and Becky Miles

She wanted to inspire all those attending to stay positive, to thank volunteers past and present, and to present outstanding service awards to Fiona Wolverson, Support Worker and Activities Volunteer, who has dedicated over ten years to the group, Becky Miles, who set up and has coordinated the Devizes MS Support Group for over six years, and Sue Wanklin for setting up and running the Mere MS Support Group.

She also spoke about Emma Johnson, the Group Coordinator, and her work to keep the Wiltshire group going.

Sue Wanklin and Stephanie Millward

A spokesperson for the Salisbury & District MS Society said: "The day would not have been successful without the support from Karen Tucker, Regional Support Worker and Lee Dainty, both from the MS Society and all the volunteers who worked so hard, including Janet Sparks, Janet Davies, Ian Rendle and Sue Amey.

"And we are grateful for new volunteers Sarah Edginton, Yinka Kilani, and Annette and Kevin O'Donnell.

"Can you volunteer with us? We really need help, so please contact us via the contact information."

The Salisbury group will hold regular mornings on the last Tuesday of the month, beginning with the 27th of June, at the Salisbury Methodist Church, St Edmund Street, Salisbury. Coffee, tea, cake, chat and support will be on offer!

Affected by MS? Main number: 0808 800 8000, local support 07847 805472 or email salisbury@mssociety.org.uk.

More from Local News

Late heart break for Salisbury after late goal means defeat on the road

Salisbury fell to a late defeat in Kent, losing 3-2, after another spirited display on the road.
Free quit smoking support available to Wiltshire residents

Ahead of No Smoking Day (12th March), Wiltshire Council is urging people across the county to seek support to quit smoking either by downloading the Smoke Free app or through their local expert stop smoking service or GP.
TREE PLANTING AT THE ORCHARD PARTNERSHIP GP SURGERIES

The Orchard Partnership and their staff team have recently completed a fruit tree planting project across their 4 GP surgery sites around Salisbury.
Salisbury to travel to Maidstone looking for points to stay away from relegation zone

Salisbury travel to Kent this Saturday as the Vanarama National League South enters its final two months of the season.
Her Majesty The Queen visits Wiltshire to hear how the county is tackling violence against women and girls

Wiltshire Police welcomed Her Majesty The Queen this week to hear about work being carried out in the county to tackle violence against women and girls.
Wiltshire Council encourages people to apply early for street party permissions ahead of VE Day

Wiltshire Council is encouraging communities to come together to celebrate and thank our veterans as this year marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, when the Second World War ended in Europe on 8th May 1945.
Member of Salisbury Cathedral serving team to walk 700 miles this lent

Bruce Carter, who is part of the serving team at Salisbury Cathedral, is this Lent walking 700 miles from John O’Groats to Salisbury in aid of the charity Action around Bethlehem Children with Disability.
Listen: Cathedral Librarian, Anne Dutton on the Sarum Master Bible

The Sarum Master Bible, a beautifully illustrated medieval manuscript, will go on public display at Salisbury Cathedral from 28th February to 20th March, following a successful fundraising campaign by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries to return it to the cathedral city.