No cure for MS sufferers—but they do need a break

Published: 12:16 PM April 24, 2009 Updated: 8:13 AM October 14, 2020

Dear Ed, THIS is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. MS affects the central nervous system of around 85,000 people in the UK. Its cause is not known and there is no cure

Dear Ed,

THIS is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. MS affects the central nervous system of around 85,000 people in the UK, most often between the ages of 20 and 40. These have included such celebrities as cellist Jacqueline du Pre, footballer Danny Wallace and the original Dr Who William Hartnell. Its cause is not known and there is no cure.

People with MS often find it costly and difficult to organise a holiday or even a short break, because of complicated medical and care arrangements. As a result, around a third of all disabled people have not been able to take a break due to physical or financial barriers. Carers also face exhaustion and the risk of becoming disabled themselves and in equally desperate need of relief.

I work at Jubilee Lodge, a respite care centre in Chigwell, Essex, run by Vitalise national disability charity. Each year we welcome hundreds of disabled people and carers who enjoy much-needed breaks which often mean the difference between coping and despair.

But we couldn’t do it without support. We are appealing for supporters to send us an email or call the lodge on 020-8501 2331.

Eddy Marie