Charity Succeeds In Bid To Create Quiet Time, UK

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 04 Dec 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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People with multiple sclerosis (MS) across Bournemouth and the surrounding area are set to benefit from a day centre's £80,000 windfall courtesy of the Big Lottery Fund.

After a disappointing defeat in a head-to-head phone vote, the Osborne Day Centre was the runner up in the People's Millions giveaway, organised in conjunction with ITV Meridian South.

Now the successful centre, which is operated by the Bournemouth branch of the MS Society will be able to fund a vital quiet room for people to move away from activities when fatigue strikes - a common symptom of MS.

Branch chair Rod Slip said: "We can now give people a place to recharge their energy levels and relax.

"Although coming to the centre gives people with MS the chance to socialise and enjoy activities, this can often be tiring for them and being able to offer somewhere quiet for our service users to take time out is invaluable."

The Osborne Centre went up against Isle of Wight charity the Bembridge Friendship Circle and featured on the ITV regional news programme on 27 November. Viewers then had the chance to vote for their favourite project.

But, the centre had to face disappointment when the result of the poll was announced.

Rod added: "We hit a great low on Tuesday by losing and everyone was bitterly disappointed, but we were of course pleased for Bembridge.

"We have gone from total deflation to elation and it's a big thank you to all our family, friends and supporters - the grant will bring huge benefit to the MS community in Bournemouth and the surrounding area."

The centre offers physiotherapy, art and crafts, a shop, hairdressing salon and a welfare support office for everyone affected by MS including family and friends.

http://www.mssociety.org.uk