Newsletter July My cycling challenge to support my friend. Stratford-upon-Avon and District

Transcription

1 Stratford-upon-Avon and District Newsletter My cycling challenge to support my friend Charley Bedford reports on her epic cycle ride in order to raise money for MS: I met my best friend Becky eight years ago, shortly after she had been diagnosed with MS and was unable to work. For many years her condition was treated well and we all accepted that this was the way things were. However, over time her deterioration seemed to speed up rapidly. She is now a wheelchair user at the age of 41. MS is a condition which not only makes the life of the sufferer unimaginable but affects those close. With any other illness, friends would be able to pop round with food or help clean up or put the kettle on. I have lost count of the amount of times Becky has cancelled at the last minute during a relapse because she "cannot bear to see me". The feeling of helplessness when someone you care about needs you but you cannot do anything is unbearable. Charley (right) embarks on her 86 miles. 1

2 For many years my now ex boyfriend rode from Leicester to Skegness and I would support the ride, and in 2014 he rode with his friend from Lands End to John O Groats with a friend while his wife and I drove along with them in order to raise nearly 1500 for the MS Society. When we split up last year Becky and her husband were such a massive support to me; so when it was suggested that this year I rode from Leicester to Skegness instead of driving I jumped at the chance; my way of repaying her kindness, and also feeling that despite being unable to appease her sometimes difficult situation, maybe the money raised could help others. As someone who generally avoids strenuous exercise and smokes far more than she should and rides 15 miles a week on a Sunday morning, slowly, the realisation that I had agreed to cycle 86 miles in one day became something of a daunting thought. Lots of training later, I sadly had my beloved bike stolen ten days before the ride, it was purely through the kindness of strangers that I managed to get a new bike in time for a couple of short practice rides in time for the main event. On the day itself we left Leicester clock tower at 6am; what followed was long, long roads, lots of hills, followed by bad terrain, cracked tarmac and a 20+ mph headwind. I finally arrived at 3.05pm. Just over 9 hours later - it was a long hard day - but I made it! I have never been so happy to see Skegness! I am so proud of myself for achieving what I thought was impossible, and no matter how much my legs hurt and how many times I thought to myself "I can't do this" I kept thinking about my friend sitting by her phone waiting for my text message to say I had arrived. And I thought how much I know Becky wishes she could feel her legs hurt one more time. Charley Bedford (Charley raised 495 from her ride for MS) 2

3 London to Brighton or bust We reported on Karen Beasley s challenge to walk from London to Brighton to raise money for MS. Here is her account of the event: I had a fantastic time fundraising for your charity. This is my story. Still have some monies coming in, so hoping to beat my 500 target! I had a dream. A big personal and physical challenge whilst fundraising for the MS Society. I chose MS as I have some knowledge of the challenges it may bring and I admire the positive attitude of my cousins who have it. So, physical got to be walking and long! London2Brighton then! Now personal...well I have gone from being hearing to very deaf and in my career challenged negativity that restricted me and made me feel like I needed a carer. So, for the first time, I'm doing this one on my own! Karen Beasley sets off at the start of her epic walk. That was 12 months ago and last Bank Holiday weekend I DID IT! Ticked every box in the dream...nearly 500 for MS, completed in 23 hours and on my own. A great way to finally celebrate what should have been my official retirement! My motto has been "the body achieves, what the mind believes" but the mental challenge is big, too. My main memory...pitch black, weak head torch, 22:30ish and I set off again alone at the 67km stage. 3

4 Thank you to those who stopped whilst I changed my batteries (head torch, not hearing aids!) and gave me a small torch. Hello to those whose names I don't know but had little chats along the way, hope it went well! A big thank you to the Organisers & Volunteers who made this a truly exceptional event! Finally, a huge thank you to my husband for being my support, and to my family, friends and all who sponsored me. KB (Our CAB Adviser, John Stiggers also took part in this event). Plant Sale Day a huge success It was a wonderful day, the sun shone, and the plants were beautiful. We had a lovely time at Ellen and Dave Arnold s house on Bank Holiday weekend. There was a queue waiting eagerly outside ready to buy plants for their gardens. They made an unbelievable 900 from the plant sale with people still coming along after the sale finished to buy the remaining plants. The good weather always makes people happy so it certainly encouraged them to spend their money and enjoy themselves. There were many different bedding plants, shrubs and hanging baskets donated to us by Nicky at Young s plants, Pete Clifford from Alscot Estate and Andrew Head Gardener from Alscot and Borden Hill Nurseries. We are very grateful to Emma Holman-West for allowing us to hold the Plant sale on her Alscot Estate. A big thank you to Emma for opening up her beautiful gardens and serving refreshments. As someone said to me "it beats going to some of the National Trust properties". Finally thank you to Kat and Nigel who donated the most delicious cakes from The Stalls. (Report from Ellen and Angie) Angie about to part with some cash for plants as Ellen looks on. 4

5 E-zine offers advice Ian Cook s latest e-zine for people with Progressive MS is now available and you can sign up online to receive regular copies of this at Articles in the latest issue include information on drug trials, Lipoic Acid supplements and How to Beat the heat this summer both day and night. National Garden Scheme supports MS We mentioned in a previous newsletter that the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) had decided to support the MS Society this year. There are a number of gardens open during July so we thought you d like to know about these: 3 July - Avon Dassett gardens and Wellesbourne Allotments 9 and 10 July - Ryton Organic Gardens 24 July - Avondale Nursery at Baginton and Stretton-on- Fosse gardens 31 July 75 Blue Lake Road, Dorridge. Further details and a full list of gardens open throughout the year can be found at You can find local venues by typing Warwickshire into the search box. Drop Ins at Shipston When The George Townhouse (its new name) reopened we looked at the new facilities there and feel that it is not really ideal for our use. The entrance from the car park at the back now has steps into the hotel and the car park is much smaller than it was. The table arrangements are also not ideal for our type of meeting. We have received such a warm welcome at the White Bear in recent months that we have decided to stay there for future meetings. We hope to move into their function room which has level access from the car park at the back of the building and a wide door, ideal for scooter users. The down-side is the access to the toilets is poor but the room itself is ideal for our purposes. 5

6 At the moment our meeting dates clash with a prior booking so we are trying to decide on the best way forward. We will confirm the new arrangements with everyone as soon as possible. And Drop Ins at Stratford The Drop In at Stratford for July will be, as normal, in the Stratford Artshouse and we will welcome our CAB Adviser, John Stiggers, to that meeting (if you d like an appointment with John please let us know). Advance notice that the meeting for August will be in the Methodist Church in Old Town (more details in next month s newsletter). 100 Club The three winners this month are: 1 st Prize of 20 to Shirley Walsh Two 2 nd Prizes of 10 to Robert Denbon, and to Denise Farley. Calendar dates For a full calendar of events: visit Classes: Yoga: Mondays: 2 pm. Physio and Exercise classes: Fridays: 11.45am and pm. Note well: No classes on Friday 3 June (Ring Cathy for availability) Drop in for a chat on Tuesday 12 th July at Church House, Butter Street, Alcester 10.30am Noon. on Wednesday 20 th July at Stratford Artshouse, Stratford- Upon-Avon 10.30am - Noon. on Tuesday 19 th July (Shipston venue) Details to be confirmed. Our services to people living in Stratford are kindly sponsored by a grant from the Stratford Town Trust. Contact Angie Vaughan or Carol Fox for details of how to join the 100 Club (contact details on back page). 6

7 Branch Committee Ann Bartlett Support Officer Carol Dennis Carol Fox Joint Fundraising Officer Elaine Wilson Branch Secretary piracantha@hotmail.com Chris Huxley Membership Secretary chris@huxleys.plus.com Janette Palmer tjpalmer29@hotmail.co.uk Angie and Paul Vaughan Angie - Joint Fundraising Officer Paul Treasurer Vaughan-12@tiscali.co.uk Other Branch contacts: Communications Officer Cathy Millwood ms-stratford@hotmail.co.uk Press & Publicity Officer Ellen Arnold ellen.arnold1960@gmail.com Website & Facebook Editor Richard Davies mrdavies2004@yahoo.com Newsletter Editor Clive Griffiths clivegr@sky.com Branch Helpline and website Find us on Facebook and Twitter: - stratfordms Other useful contacts MS Specialist Nurses Sylvia Lyons, Jeannette Spicer & Wendy Hartland Community Neuro-rehabilitation Team Extn CAB Helpline: UBUS (for accessible transport) South Warwickshire Carers Support Service MS Society Contacts: National MS Helpline: Respite Care Enquiries: Grants Team: Short Breaks: Publications: or also available from online shop This newsletter is published by the Stratford-upon-Avon and District Branch of the MS Society. Any views expressed in the publication are individual and not necessarily the view or policy of the Charity and its supporters. Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registered charity nos /SC Registered as a limited company in England and Wales