The South Cornwall Branch of The MS Society April magazine 2013

The Lifeboat

South Cornwall Branch Monthly Magazine April 2013 Sydne`e Teversham

at Inside the Lifebo this month This months cover picture is of Sydne`e Teversham.

Sydne`e agreed to be featured on the front cover of our magazine and I am glad that she did, read more on page 11 Any more takers for our front cover picture?

MS News Page 3 Tysabri to become potential ‘first line’ therapy for MS Government to blame for Work Capability Assessment flaws

Page 11 Sydne`e Page 12 Malcolm & Jackie Page 13 Gulval School

Page 4 New MS drugs referred to NICE for Page14 Read-A-Thon news NHS use Elsa raises funds £75k social care payment limit to be introduced in England Page 15 Megan’s page Page 5 High profile supporters

Page 16 Youth group

Page 6 First results from key NMSS-funded Page 17 Scrap heap challenge CCSVI studies.

Salt intake may play a role in MS, Page 18 South Cornwall Events new research suggests Page 19 Information page Page 7 Calling all carers Request from Elayne

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Page 8 This conundrum Page 9 Quiz page Page 10 Quiz page

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IMPORTANT NOTICE South Cornwall Vouchers Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks so as from 1st March 2013 please make all voucher requests to Chris Sargent 01209 315386

Chairman’s Report

Hi, everyone It is sad to read that the Merlin is having money problems, as a Branch we support them as much as we can , but if anyone can give them further help I am sure they would definitely appreciate it .

We are funding the Fast track CAB initiative for another year so PLEASE use it as so many changes are happening to benefits and I am sure Trish can help you. Please ring me and we can get you on the right track.

It amazes me every month how Jasper is getting funnier by the day, he certainly makes me laugh and I am sure you do too.

Malcolm is too gentle on him because he will want a whole magazine soon as he already often has a whole page.

Soon we are hoping to have a day where you can come and here our support officers ideas on being 'Newly diagnosed' I will give a talk to anyone interested in having their own Personalised Budget and how it can change your life for the better. Also there will be an opportunity to work with other branches in Cornwall to raise branch profile and overcome the publics confusion between us and other MS service providers.

Mike

Editors Note Hello everyone, I hope you had a good Easter avoiding too many Eater eggs. I have had some really good responses from you this month with articles sent in and my first front cover from you our members, but who will be next on the front cover and featured inside our magazine? Keep sending me your pictures, and remember they need to be good quality or let me know and I will come and take them.

Thank you for your positive returns about the Hub project, keep them coming in, and of course your responses to our events programme.

As you will see in this months magazine the schools projects are really moving forward and the schools awareness and Read-AThon has been a great success. The last two schools in this round are about to finish and I can then publish the results.

I am working on revisiting the branch awareness programme and to this end I will

be holding a meeting of all branch committees to discuss how we can help each other to give the best possible service to our members.

The invitation for branches to attend will be sent out shortly and the meeting will be held in late April.

Enough of business, what about your Easter adventures, do you have any stories for me about your Easter activities, I know that Jasper will come up with a few and he also wants to be on the front cover.

Thank you all for your support and don’t forget we are here for you so get in touch if there is anything you need or you have any concerns and we will try to answer your queries.

Have a great Easter break!

Malcolm

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Government to blame for Work Capability Assessment flaws

News from the MS National Centre Tysabri to become potential ‘first line’ therapy for MS The manufacturers of Tysabri have applied to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA for the approval of Tysabri as a first-line treatment for people with relapsing remitting MS, who have tested negative for antibodies to the JC virus.

Tysabri has been approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence for people with "highly active, rapidly evolving multiple sclerosis" who have not responded positively to current first line therapies (Avonex, Rebif, Betaferon, Extavia or Copaxone).

The use of Tysabri has been restricted to these types of MS due to its license and its association with a potentially fatal infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is caused by the JC virus.

Virus test There’s now a test for the virus, which identifies if people are at risk of developing PML. If they’re not at risk, and if Tysabri as a first line treatment is approved by the EMA, then people will be able to consider taking Tysabri earlier than is currently allowed – regardless of whether they’ve failed on current first line therapies.

Clinical trials have shown that Tysabri can reduce the number of relapses by 67 per cent.

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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has released a report today which states the Department for Work and Pensions are to blame for problems with the Work Capability Assessment for the out-of-work disability benefit Employment Support Allowance (ESA).

Chair of the PAC, Margaret Hodge MP, said: “The Department for Work and Pensions is getting far too many decisions wrong on claimants’ ability to work… Nearly 40 per cent of appeals [against decisions] are successful, with a third of those successful appeals involving no new evidence."

"The Work Capability Assessment process hits the most vulnerable claimants hardest… There needs to be a substantial shake-up in how the Department manages this contract [with ATOS] and in its processes for improving the quality of decision making.”

The report used evidence from Citizens Advice, Disability UK and the DWP. Flawed assessment The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is designed to support a ‘fair and objective decision’ by the DWP about whether a claimant is fit for work, but in far too many cases the wrong decision is made and people are incorrectly told they are fit for work.

The MS Society has long argued that the WCA is flawed and we have campaigned hard to influence positive changes for people with MS. "Wrong decisions being made" Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society, said: “We welcome the Public Accounts Committee report and agree that the “one size fits all” approach is poor at assessing people with complex and fluctuating conditions, such as MS.

The current assessment process makes it extremely difficult for people to demonstrate how their condition affects their ability to work and often leads to the wrong decisions being made.

“Reassessments also occur too often, with seemingly no logical pattern or regularity.

This causes further needless stress - which can make MS worse - and also contributes to unnecessary costs for the state. We strongly believe the Government should enforce contractual penalties on ATOS, where they have failed to perform, and take serious measures to make WCA fit for purpose.”

New MS drugs referred to NICE for NHS use The Government has referred four potential MS drugs to NICE to consider whether they should be made available on the NHS for people in England and Wales.

Alemtuzumab, dimethyl fumarate (sometimes known as BG12), laquinimod and teriflunomide are all drugs that have shown positive results in clinical trials for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS. The appraisal process Although the drugs are not yet licensed for MS, NICE is going to carry out four separate single technology appraisals. These will consider how much each drug will benefit patients in relation to their cost. Appraisals normally take about nine months to complete.

This means if the drugs are licensed by the European Medicines Agency, NICE will be able to issue guidance quickly (they cannot issue guidance before a treatment is licensed for a condition and/or symptom).

If NICE decides the drugs provide value for money, and they are approved, hospitals and PCTs will be legally obliged to provide them on the NHS in England and Wales, to all those considered eligible.

In Scotland, it is the Scottish Medicines Consortium who decide whether a newly licensed MS medicine should be provided on NHS Scotland. In Northern Ireland, the applicability of all NICE guidance is subject to a review carried out by the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety.

Your input The MS Society will respond to the consultations and your individual experience will help us explain the benefits and disadvantages of the treatments.

If you have been involved in the trials for these four treatments and would like to share your experience, please contact Asha Kaur on akaur@mssociety.org.uk. £75k social care payment limit to be introduced in England The Government has unveiled plans to cap in England the cost people over retirement age have to pay for social care at £75,000.

People of working age who develop care needs before they reach retirement age will benefit from a lower cap, but it is not yet clear what this will be.

This announcement confirms reports made at the start of January that social care would be capped. If these plans are approved, the earliest they’ll be introduced is 2019.

Social and residential care changes People with MS might need to use social care services to complete everyday tasks like getting washed and dressed, and preparing meals. There is a lot of variation in the amount people have to pay, but it is usually expensive.

Some people are forced to sell their homes or spend their life savings to meet the high costs. It is hoped that by ‘capping’ social care at £75,000 people are more able to plan for their future.

Also announced was an increase in the ‘asset threshold’.

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Currently anyone with assets (like home owners) worth more than £23,250 has to pay for the full cost of care if they move into a residential home. This limit will be increased to £123,000.

Too long to wait Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society and Chair of the Care and Support Alliance, said: “This announcement will provide much needed protection for those who face losing everything in the lottery of care costs.

Whilst our members campaigned for a lower level of cap, the £75,000 lifetime limit on care costs will help those with the highest level of care needs over the longest period of time.

"But many families struggling with care costs will be dismayed by the four year wait from announcement to implementation.

“It is crucial that the Government does not treat this as the end of the story on social care funding. It still needs to urgently address the issue of growing numbers of older and disabled people who receive no help, despite clear need. Therein lies the real moral scandal of the social care system.

"Today’s announcement will mean that no-one will lose everything to care costs.

We are now looking for the Government to ensure that no-one will be left to struggle alone with their care needs.”

High profile supporters The MS Society works with celebrities and other high profile supporters in the fight to beat MS. They help fundraise, campaign and speak up about MS in the media.

Oritsé Williams Oritsé Williams, from chart-topping group JLS, uses his fame to help raise awareness of young people who care for a family member with MS.

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Oritsé’s mother Sonia was diagnosed with MS in 2001 when he was just 13. He has helped care for her ever since. He also makes time to meet other people affected

by MS and share experiences.

Oritsé was named “MS Inspiration” at the MS Society Awards in 2010.

The Hairy Bikers As a child, Dave Myers, one half of TV chefs ‘The Hairy Bikers’, helped care for his mother Margaret, who had MS. The MS Society branch in Furness helped support Dave’s family when he was growing up.

In 2009, Dave went back to the branch to open the newly refurbished ‘Richard Cave Centre’.

Lorraine Kelly TV presenter and journalist Lorraine, who has a close family member affected by MS, backed our MS Week campaigns in 2009 and 2010. Lorraine also endorsed the ‘Moving Mountains’ calendar, which helped members of the MS Society’s Lake District branch raise vital funds in 2010.

Tony Johnstone European Senior Tour golfer Tony was diagnosed with MS in 2004.

Tony helps raise awareness of MS in the media. In 2009, and he gathered some of UK golf’s biggest names to raise funds for ‘The Tony Johnstone MS Society Pro-Am’ in 2009, raising over £100,000 for the MS Society

Sally Gunnell Former Olympic champion Sally Gunnell OBE helped the MS Society develop an exercise video for people affected by MS. She is also the face of the MS Society’s running events for fundraisers in 2011.

Salt intake may play a role in MS, new research suggests

New research published yesterday in the journal Nature has suggested that salt intake may be related to MS. The early stage studies looked at the impact that salt has on the immune cellsthought to be involved in MS. They Scott Mills found that high salt levels drove the Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills production of a type of immune cell, called is ran the Eden Project a TH-17 cell, in laboratory models of MS. Half Marathon on Vital clues Sunday 9 October TH-17 cells are thought to play a role in 2012 for the MS attacking the myelin sheath that lines cells Society. Scott’s mum was diagnosed with of the brain and spinal cord. Finding out MS four years ago. more about how they are formed in His colleague and friend Jemma James is the immune system may give researchers also joined him. vital clues on the factors involved in causing First results from key NMSS-funded CCSVI MS. Researchers fed a high salt diet to mice studies with EAE (a laboratory model of MS) and Chronic cerebrospinal found those with a high salt diet were more venous insufficiency is likely to develop more severe forms of EAE. a chronic condition More work is needed which causes blood Research has shown that EAE is not a from the brain and perfect model of MS and much more work spine to be slowed or is needed in order to confirm these early stopped in its attempt to flow back to the laboratory findings in people with MS. heart. The first of seven CCSVI studies Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Head of Biomedical funded by the National MS Society and the Research at the MS Society said: MS Society of Canada has published its "This is a really interesting study and it’s results, which showed no increase in positive to see new avenues of MS prevalence of CCSVI in people with MS. research being explored in this way. It’s still Researchers from the University of Texas too early, however, to draw firm conclusions Health Science Centre at Houston used on what these findings mean for people sonography techniques to measure blood with MS but we look forward to seeing the outflow from the brain to establish whether results of further research. any of the participants in the study fulfilled "In the meantime, we recommend that the criteria for CCSVI. people follow government advice on 276 people were assessed for CCSVI (206 maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, which with MS and 70 without). The researchers includes guidelines on salt intake.” found that CCSVI was present in 3.88% of IMPORTANT NOTICE people with MS and 14% of people South Cornwall Vouchers without MS. These results showed no significant differences in blood flow rates between people with MS and people Please make all voucher requests to Chris without..

Sargent 01209 315386

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Calling all carers Calling all carers Are you caring for someone with MS? If you are, then come and join our local carers group who get together once a month to chat, relax and laugh with others who are in the same position. I joined last year and found everyone to be friendly and welcoming.

I have certainly learned a lot from other carers, and it is good to be in the company of people who truly understand the issues and feelings we are all dealing with.

We would love to extend the hand of friendship to other carers so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We meet on the third Thursday of each month at Carnon Downs from 2-4pm.

Meetings are free of charge, and if you have difficulty in leaving your loved one for long, do let us know—we may be able to help.

Give Mike George a call on 01872 862031 to find out more, we look forward to meeting you soon!

Sue Smith Whilst munching on several Easter eggs last month (purchased by myself as none of you sent me one) I thought about how eggs and rabbits became an Easter tradition.

Why do we have Easter eggs?

A lot of us may chomp on chocolate eggs at Easter, but originally eating eggs was not allowed by the church during the week leading up to Easter (known as Holy Week).

So any eggs laid that week were saved and decorated to make them 'Holy Week eggs', then given to children as gifts.

Victorians adapted the tradition with satin covered cardboard eggs filled with Easter gifts.

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Why are Easter eggs made of chocolate?

The first chocolate eggs appeared in France and Germany in the 19th century but were bitter and hard.

As chocolate-making techniques improved, hollow eggs like the ones we have today were developed.

They very quickly became popular and remain popular today.

What's the Easter Bunny then?

The story of the Easter Bunny is thought to have become common in the 19th century, too.

Rabbits usually give birth to a big litter of babies (called kittens), so they became a symbol of new life.

Legend has it that the Easter bunny lays, decorates and hides eggs as they are also a symbol of new life.

He doesn't do all the work alone though. In Switzerland, Easter eggs are delivered by a cuckoo, and by a fox in parts of Germany.

A n An gl o - Sa x on l eg en d t he Ea st er bu nny a nd eg g s An Anglo-Saxon legend tells how the Saxon goddess Eostre found a wounded bird and transformed it into a hare, so that it could survive the Winter. The hare found it could lay eggs, so it decorated these each Spring and left them as offering to the goddess.

Jasper Request from Elayne My name Is Elayne and I am currently in my final year of a level 4 therapeutic counselling diploma. To complete the course, I need to gain experience in working with people on a 1-1 basis. If anyone is interested in receiving some therapy free of charge (apart from any expenses incurred) then I would love to hear from you. I do have MS myself and am happy to see those with MS or their family/carers. I look forward to hearing from you. 07870 377 203.

This conundrum was sent in by Judy Reed ENGLISH AS IT IS SPOKEN Part one......

You think English is easy??

I think a retired English teacher was bored, and came up with this lot!

1)The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture..

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert..

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear..

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Oh Judy!! You have got me in such a tiswas; I can’t take this kind of confusion.

All this rabbiting on. I will have to have another cup of tea

This sand sculpture picture was sent in by Judy Reed, I think it looks a bit scary, what do you think?

Chiropodist vouchers We have a chiropodist who is willing to take our vouchers so give him a call: Stephen C Bloor DPodM, MChS, HPC Reg RunRight StepFree Clinic The Angel Centre Tyacke Road Helston TR13 8RR

Don’t miss part two next month!!

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March Quiz answers 1 In The Mood 2 Moonlight Serenade 3 Chattanooga Choo Choo 4 Tuxedo Junction 5 St Louis Blues March 6 Little Brown Jug 7 A String of Pearls 8 Pennsylvania Six Five Thousand Bingo numbers called in: January 10, 26, 43, & 61 February 52, 90, 76, & 85 March 5, 30, 46 & 67 April 13, 49, 23, & 73 May 79, 45, 16, & 28 June 65, 18, 41, & 87 July 57, 3, 8, & 69 August 83, 59, 71, & 20 September 38, 63, 75, &1 October 33, 77, 55, & 89 November 51, 86, 48, & 35 December 11, 32, 53, & 68 January 13 81, 31, 15, & 25 February 13 40, 22, 78, & 36 March 13 44, 56, 21, & 6 April 13 80, 39, 50, & 74 “Too bad all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving taxis and cutting hair.”

Target £2,000.00 Actual to date £924 Money Boxes 9 9

April quiz Unscramble the letters to reveal some Don Williams songs 1 FOEESOY YL SRTU HERE 2 ERD'BI OE SYYM RTUEFN 3 EHBN ASEEMR OOSTKR 4 OISE'A TTH HHATT TNEVO BGLV 5 B IEYUIIN LE EVO 6 U'C NSIA J UMRTOBY YTO 7 DAAAMN 8 ILTTA SUEM Birthday cards If anyone would like a birthday card send from the branch please contact Betty Alderton Contact number on back page

What’s this mystery object?

Happy birthday to: 2nd Mark Osborne 3rd Rachel Sobey 9th Vicky Richards 17th Gail Aldridge 19th Susan Bence 20th Emily Burgoyne 27th Tina Cameron 29th Rita Last

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March mystery object

Did you spot the 10 differences?

My wife sat down next to me as I was flipping channels.

She asked, "What's on TV?" I said, "Dust."

And then the fight started...

Can you spot the 20 differences in the Wallace and Gromit picture

Thought of the Month For the first time ever, overweight people outnumber average people in America.

Doesn't that make overweight the average then? Last month you were fat, now you're average - hey, let's get a piz-

Poetry Corner Letter of Goodbye Some thousand words, some thousand lines, and not one feels right.

You never shall see her tears fall on all the crumbled pages, for by the time when she’ll be done writing, her soul has already died.

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Cover photos of the month Meet Sydne`e Jayne Teversham.

Sydne`e was 13 on the 21st February 2013, lives in Par and attends Fowey Community College.

Her love of photography was the reason for her sending me some landscape pictures for the front cover, but agreed to let me take these pictures of her.

I had a great afternoon and came away with some lovely pictures as you can see.

Sydne`e takes part in fund raising activities and supports her Nan who attends the Merlin Centre.

We like Sydne`e and all the young people who get involved in helping everyone affected by MS. Well done Sydne`e

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Malcolm and Jackie Thorne went on a cruise to Norway and here are some lovely pictures from their trip,

Malcolm and Jackie all wrapped up The official marker of the Arctic Circle

Ice sculptures in the igloo hotel at Alta

The Northern Lights The Riksgransden Hotel,just across the border in Sweden, under 3 feet of snow

Mountains reflected in the calm waters of a fjord

Evening sunshine turns the mountains pink

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Gulval School receive their Read-A-Thon awards There was great excitement when 23 Students from Gulval School received certificates for taking part in the Schools Read-A-thon, and the school received the MS Read-A-Thon plaque, a certificate and book tokens for the library.

Gulval School are ready to take part in next years Read-A-Thon

Group picture of students with Head teacher Mr Ian Fellows and myself

Mr Fellows receiving the School plaque and book tokens

It’s a great achievement for these young people to complete the Read-A-Thon and picking up their certificates was an exciting moment for them.

Thank you and well done Gulval School

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Read-A-Thon news Elsa has done it again Schools completed: Cape Cornwall, St Just Darite CP School, Liskeard Lanivery School, Bodmin Kehelland school, Camborne Gulval school, Penzance St Mary’s C of E Primary Schools started: Devoran School, I will soon be publishing money raised, I am waiting for returns to come on this round of the schools Read-A-Thon Canada schools project As I previously reported, Gulval school has been in contact with Gladstone School in Cornwall Ontario Canada, and they have started an interesting exchange.

Gladstone are currently on March break but here are some pictures of the students

Elsa Barker-Brown has raised another £48 for people affected by MS, well done Elsa, thank you for your efforts, you are doing a great job.

World book day at St Mary’s C of E School Penzance I was lucky enough to be invited to St Mary’s C of E School on world book day and what a great time I had.

The children were all dresses up as Where’s Wally and the atmosphere was full of excitement. World book day came in the middle of their Read-A-Thon

The Read-A-Thon awards ceremony at St Mary’s C of E school is on the 28th March look out for it in the next edition of the Lifeboat magazine.

Children from Gladstone School, Cornwall Ontario Canada

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Megan The Fortune I had always been like this. Paranoid I mean. Since I can remember I’ve always believed in karma and what not. But this time it was bad, really bad. I had just read my fortune from a cookie at a Japanese restaurant. I was scared REALLY scared! I rushed out Something of the restaurant as quickly as I possibly could, throwing the money to the receptionist telling her to keep the change. I literally sprinted to my car and got in as fast as lightening. I caught my breath and put the key in to the ignition starting the car immediately; I drove out of the car park and sped nearly the whole way home. I reached my house, if you can call it that, it’s more like a cottage I suppose.

My arrival was soon announced by the loud barking of my dog, Charlie. I unlocked the door and walked in and made sure to wipe my feet as it was raining outside. I hung up my coat and took off my shoes. I walked through into the kitchen were my small lab awaited, as soon as he saw it was me he jumped out of his bed and began bounding towards me form the other side of the kitchen. He jumped up at my legs nearly knocking me over onto the floor. But he was the least of my worries. I walked quickly over to the sink and got a glass and poured myself a glass of water to try and calm myself. That night while I was in bed all I could think about was the fortune “Something terrible will happen very soon” I was tossing and turning all night trying to get it off of my mind.

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The next morning I felt awful and probably looked it too. I then decided that I was just going to have to try and stay safe and not do anything to dangerous. That didn’t last long though. The first thing that happened was that Charlie almost pushed me down the stairs, then I nearly got run over by a car because Charlie decided that he was going to pull me across the road in front of flowing traffic After that I nearly ran into a door in front of everyone in the shopping centre ( so embarrassing).

Then I decided to just stay at home and watch the TV and eat LOTS of popcorn!

Everything was fine until the door bell went; this is it I thought as I crept up to the door holding the nearest lamp in both hands. I opened the door to see the postman standing there looking rather scared, I soon realised that I still had the lamp in my hand, I put it down on the side and he handed me the post.

I shut the door as soon as he turned around.

I leant against the door and flicked through the envelopes until I saw one that caught my eye I held it in my hand and opened it slowly. I pulled the letter out of the envelope only to reveal that I had won the competition I had entered a few weeks ago!

But wait something bad was supposed to happen?! I pulled the fortune out of my pocket and opened it gingerly I then read it again and began to laugh it didn’t say “something bad is going to happen” instead it said “something terrific is going to happen” WHOOPS! Megan Robins

South Cornwall branch MS Youth Group West “Making Sense�

A great night was had by three members of the youth group, who went to the recent Fire 'n' Ice cabaret. Megan, Ben and Lauren enjoyed a super meal and then listened to Malcolm and Nikki (Fire 'n' Ice) and also Laura. They are all looking forward to the next one!! Hopefully photos to follow in next months 'Lifeboat'

During a match one of the security guards gave me flights that Phil Taylor had used in his match and Wes Newtons practice flights!!!!!!

Jamie had a super night watching the Premier Darts in Exeter. His sister Lauren and brother Jack also watched from the comfort of their home, and saw Jamie and their mum and dad on the television. Read Jamie's report to find out more.

The youth group have decorated wooden bird houses and star clappers which are available to purchase. If anyone is interested please contact me, details are on the back page. Will publish photos next month.

Nikki xx

I had a really, really great night with my mum, dad, uncle Ian and some friends and really hope I can go again next year as my Birthday treat, my birthday was just 2days before!. Xx

Jamie reports On Thursday 28th of February I was lucky enough to go to Exeter to watch the premier league of darts with the top 10 players in the world. The matches were Robert Thornton V Gary Anderson Andy Hamilton V Micheal Van Gerwen James Wade V Phil Taylor (the best in the world) Wes Newton V Adrian Lewis and Raymond Van Barneveld V Simon Whitlock.

50 This is my brother Jack, getting ready to play for England

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Scrap heap challenge I am reporting this month from Mike Georges garage, with the continuing story of that lovely Range Rover conversion. By lovely I mean the Range Rover, not the conversion

Above is a picture of a standard Range Rover and this is the story of how it could look after a Mike George conversion kit has been applied.

There is nothing these skilled men can’t achieve, Mikes team of Richard and Phil have technical knowledge beyond belief, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if their next project was connected with brain surgery.

In all seriousness this is a feat of engineering and a labour of love, I have heard that Rover are after the drawings if only for them to be destroyed.

Turning a Range Rover into a multi-purpose off road vehicle is not easy so don’t try this at home.

You can see that the sleek wind resistant lines of the new conversion gives it that “I must have one” appeal. If you want your Range Rover converted call Mike George 01872 862031.

This is Jasper signing off from the Mike George Rover conversion centre, Carnon Downs.

Jasper Richard

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A tipping body, and that’s just Phil

The Mike George Range Rover conversion in midnight blue

South Cornwall Branch events 2013 Dates for these events to be advised:

Events taking place at Merlin MS Centre

Seminar for potential committee volunteers

Ellie May, Communications and Corporate Events Manager Tel: 01726 885530

Get together’s Bingo afternoon Auction Quiz and games night Magazine tombola Carwinion open day Wine and cheese party

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Doctor, doctor, I can’t stop singing “The Green Green Grass of Home” That’s what we doctors call Tom Jones’ Syndrome.

Oh, really? Is it common?

It’s not unusual.

IMPORTANT NOTICE South Cornwall Vouchers Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks so as from 1st March 2013 please make all voucher requests to Chris Sargent 01209 315386

Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon TrekTrek- 10th-17th May 2014 Trek. Are you ready to experience the breath taking beauty of the Grand Canyon whilst raising money for the Merlin Ms Centre? With a year to fundraising you have plenty of time to join us for this trek of a lifetime. Contact the centre for more information 01726 885530.

Merlin MS Centre are looking for willing and friendly volunteers to help with their supermarket collection days throughout the year and throughout the county. If you think you can spare an hour or two to help then please get in touch with the centre on 01726 885530.

“I play all my Country and Western music backwards – your lover returns, your dog comes back and you cease to be an alcoholic.”

In next months Lifeboat magazine: Members pages & Magazine Bingo Youth Group page MS News

South Cornwall Youth Group West activities

Megan’s page Branch events

April 2013: 2013 Easter coffee morning with cakes and goodies May 2013: Summer BBQ and Car boot sale

Read-A-Thon news

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South Cornwall Branch Information

Branch contact details: Llawnroc, Mount Carbis Road, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 2LD Tel: 01872 274911 www.mssociety.org.uk/southcornwall Satellite events Last Tuesday of each month: Helston & Lizard Group meeting: Wheal Dream Restaurant, Helston from 11.00am to approx 2.00pm.

Lunch at discounted rate.

Every Thursday: Yoga at the Well Being Centre, Nance Lane, Churchtown, Illogan. 11.00am to 12.15pm. with Carolyn Smith by appointment only.

Every third Thursday Carers meeting at Mike George’s Useful contacts: MS National Centre: 02084 380 700 MS Helpline: 0808 800 8000 Care Direct: 0800 444 000 NHS Direct: 0845 4647 Editors Contact details: details To send in articles or comments.

Malcolm Glister Whispering Winds, Crellow Hill, Stithians, Nr Truro, Cornwall, TR3 7AQ Tel 01209 860754

Chairman: Mike George Telephone: 01872 862031 email: cornishmike@talktalk.net Treasurer: Malcolm Thorne Telephone: 01209 717237 email: malcolmt.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Address Coomar, 3 Chenoweth Close, Camborne Cornwall TR14 7JR Voucher Admin Officer: Jackie Thorne Telephone: 01209 717237 email: malcolmt.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Secretary: Christine Sargent Telephone: 01209 315386 email: christine.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk M S Support : Telephone: 01872 274911 Carer’s Officer: Neville Reed Telephone: 01637 875823 email: nevnjude.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Malcolm Glister Telephone: 01209 860754 email: malcolmglister@btinternet.com Branch Web manager: Mike May Telephone: 01872 272 957 email: mikem.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Membership: Betty Alderton Telephone: 01872 270901 email: betty.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Minute Secretary: Moe Fisher email: moefisher@hotmail.co.uk Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Nikki Jenkin Telephone: 01736 787089 email: nikkijenkin@googlemail.com Events CoCo-ordinator Carol Batchelor Telephone: 01326 373464 email: carol.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Fund Raising Manager Vacant Need help or advice, call our support number 01872 274911

All views expressed in this publication are individual and not necessarily the view or policy of the charity and its supporters.

Multiple Sclerosis Society Registered charity nos. 1139257 / SC041990 Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571