The South Cornwall Branch of The MS Society September Magazine 2013 "The Lifeboat"

September 2013

The Lifeboat

Lauren and Alex

South Cornwall Branch Monthly Magazine

Our cover picture this month is of Lauren and Alex who are the new South Cornwall Young MS and Friends group Co-ordinators.

Alex is our second Co-ordinator of the Young MS and friends team, both Alex and Lauren will run the project, welcoming anyone who wants to join the Young MS and friends group.

We are already getting enquiries about this new and innovative group where the younger element of our society can enjoy friendship with their own age group.

Read more about Alex and the groups progress in next months magazine.

at Inside the Lifebo this month MS News Page 3 Potential way to repair myelin discovered by MS Society researchers.

MS Society campaigns.

Page 11/12 Wendy Lobb, M.C.S.P. A message from the National MS Society Page 13 Page 14

From Nikki Jenkin.

September Thoughts Mary Smith is now blogging.

Helping your branch

Page 4 Ground breaking clinical trial for secondary progressive MS. Message from Andrew Kemp

Page 15

Megan’s page

Page 5 Wendy’s Cake Break

Page 16

Youth group

Page 6 Rebecca’s Sky Dive

Page 17

Carwinion

Page 7 Read-A-Thon news.

Jaspers Jokes

Page 18

Events

Page 19

Information page

Page 8 Instant frozen berry yogurt.

Journey's end by Susan Creese

Page 9/10 Quiz page 1

Chairman’s Report Hi All Another Chairman's report, they seem to come around quicker every month.

You will see lots of activity over the next few months with our efforts to secure our future, both financially and in the services we provide so look out for Malcolm’s articles and please support our efforts whenever you can.

I feel sad that the executive committee has disbanded after so much work has gone into it’s formation, however South Cornwall

must go onward and upward.

South Cornwall has a very forward thinking and productive committee, something we can be proud of, I thank them all for their efforts in Making the branch what it is.

I must mention Jasper, as you know he is my favourite rabbit, I have to say that as I have paid him not to say anything bad about me, I hope you find him as entertaining as I do.

Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to consider for the future or change anything that we already do, we are there for you!

Mike Editors Note Hello everyone, I hope you have been enjoying the summer it always feels better when the weather is warmer.

Unfortunately it doesn’t stop the need to think ahead and develop ideas and projects to ensure the future of our branch.

There is much to think about if we are to sustain our levels of service and I have indicated ways in which we can all help on page 14 so please get involved, you may even find the experience entertaining.

If you would like some help or advice let us know, we will do our best to help you.

Sadly this is the last year that we will be blessed with the Carwinion Open day, so please make every attempt to make it the best.

With regret I have to report that the Executive committee has been disbanded, the object of the committee was to work

together in order to have a greater voice in order to raise the MS profile in Cornwall, have more chance of grant applications, improve service levels and consistency and help, those branches and their members who need support.

These are of course just a few of the advantages when branches work together, however Mid Cornwall preferred to be independent and therefore the executive committee was disbanded.

I would like to thank all those who took part, including the support from national and area staff, I thought our meetings were constructive and thought provoking.

I have many ideas and projects on the shelf, originally for all the county branches but now I will be applying them so South Cornwall.

I believe that with your help we can improve our services and give people affected by MS a better life.

Please help us help you!

Malcolm

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MS Society sets up two new short breaks partnerships The MS Society is now working with two organisations to make it easier for people with MS and their families and carers to access a range of short breaks, respite care and holidays.

News from the MS National Centre The Good Care Group The Good Care Group has set up a new Potential way to repair myelin discovered by home respite and holiday care service MS Society researchers specifically designed for people with MS. The MS Society has trained the Group’s Researchers based professional carers, which means they’ll at the Edinburgh have a good understanding of the condition Centre for and will be able to provide people with the Translational best support. The service is available for Research and people with MS living in England and Cambridge Centre Scotland. for Myelin Repair If you want to find out more about the have found that aprotein inside cells, known specialist MS service as ‘activin-A’, could be targeted as a way emailenquiries@thegoodcaregroup.com, to repair damage to myelin. call 08000 234 220 or visit The Good Care The researchers studied laboratory models Group’s website. of demyelination to try and discover more Active Assistance about how remyelination happens.

The MS Society has also worked with They found that if activin-A production was Active Assistance to develop a service for blocked, it stopped oligodendrcytes home respite and holiday care, and trained (myelin-making cells) producing the myelin professional carers to make sure they have that is needed to repair the damaged an in-depth knowledge of MS. sheath.

The service is already available in England Researchers will now look to find a and Wales, and people in Scotland will be treatment that stimulates activin-A – so that able to access the service later in the year. it encourages the repair of myelin in the You can find out more by calling body.

01732 779 353 or by going to the Active The research was published this week in Assistance website.

Nature Neuroscience.

Financial support The MS Society’s Short Breaks and MS Society campaigns Activities Fund can provide grants towards the costs of short breaks and holidays with Too many people affected by MS in the UK care. To find out more and apply, call have to fight for the treatments, services, 020 8438 0700 and ask to speak to the care and support they need. grants team, or Our campaigns aim to change that. emailgrants@mssociety.org.uk. www.mssociety.org.uk/campaigns

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Groundbreaking clinical trial for secondary progressive MS

Funding MS-SMART is a £2.7m trial led by Dr Jeremy Chataway at UCL (University A new phase 2 clinical trial called MSCollege London) and Professor Siddharthan SMART will begin this autumn, investigating Chandran at the University of Edinburgh. whether three potential treatments could The project is sponsored by UCL (University slow or halt disability progression in people College London) and the independent with secondary progressive MS. research is awarded by the Efficacy and MS-SMART is a three-year trial that will test Mechanism Evaluation Programme (EME) the safety and effectiveness of three and funded by the Medical Research different drugs - amiloride, ibudilast and Council (MRC) and the MS Society in the riluzole – against a ‘dummy’ treatment in UK, with support from MS Societies in the 440 people with secondary progressive USA and Italy.

MS. The trial is managed by the National All three drugs have the potential to protect Institute for Health Research (NIHR) on nerves from damage, which could behalf of the MRC-NIHR partnership. ultimately stop or slow disability Additional support comes from the progression.

University of Edinburgh.

Saving time and money Message from Andrew Kemp Up to 15 trial sites will be identified in cities and towns across Scotland and England.

Testing three drugs at once is much quicker As you may be aware, a new clinical trial for and cheaper than running three individual people with Secondary Progressive trials. The drugs are already licensed for MS (SPMS) was announced on 17th other conditions (amiloride is licensed to July, funded by the MS Society and others. treat heart disease, ibudilast to treat The MS SMART trial hopes to find a asthma in Japan and riluzole is licensed for neuro-protective therapy for SPMS and is motor neurone disease) so researchers being led by Dr Jeremy Chataway and know the safety profile of the treatments, others across England and Scotland. You potentially shaving years off the time usually can read more about the trial in the needed.

Research Matters Summer 2013 edition, The recruitment for the trial will start in My reason for writing is to draw attention to autumn. If you would like more information the fact that there are two participating about the trial, visit the MS-SMART 'SMART centres' in the South West, in website.

Plymouth and Truro. Anyone interested in How was this trial developed? registering their interest to participate can There are currently no treatments that can do so. For more details contact the MS slow or stop the accumulation of disability helpline: 08088008000 that people with progressive MS experience Please forward this message to anyone – we need to change this urgently. who might be interested. Thank you.

So in 2007, the MS Society set to work in developing and producing clinical trials for Andrew Kemp progressive MS. We established a Clinical Service Development Officer Trials Network, which, funded by the MS MS Society - South West Society, completed £500,000 worth of 020 8438 0767 underpinning research that was needed in 07748 622804 order to develop the MS-SMART trial. akemp@mssociety.org.uk

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Between afternoon right through to early evening sometimes, people have usually dropped in if at all possible - some for the afternoon, half an hour or ten minutes, some after picking school kids up, sometimes with grandkids, after work, days later dropping a donation in my box and often Kev's managed to get some of his colleagues to donate when he takes in cakes to Uni. With the prize cake that Vicki designs and the fun of the usual quiz it has gone well so far, and long may it continue.

Wendy has been quietly holding cake breaks for some time now and I asked her how she did them, and said that we should give them more publicity.

This is Wendy’s reply: Hi Malcolm Thanks for your e-mail and the offer of some support re my Cake Break.

To date, this is what usually happens: Due to the very welcome attendance of my neighbours, many of whom have become friends over the years and often the 'mainstay' of this, it has become a small annual fundraising event at our house on behalf of M.S., where everybody Kev or I know around here is welcome. I have often invited more people we have met over the past year too, so hope people come but always have everything crossed especially when there is such a slow trickle to start...

I have always tried to keep this an informal event, so that I feel happy asking friends and people I know to donate for a cake indulgence and a gossip! This enjoyable Cake Break coming around every year, seems to mean we often have our favourite nibble and luckily I get a lot of help with the cakes too.

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Gosh, I have gone on and on... hadn't realised it took so much organising until I read this back, so I must enjoy it ha ha! I guess most of you there are tied up yourselves on the main day as I try to hold it then, but do drop in if you'd like and welcome!

All the best Wendy Wendy and Kev are hidden stars quietly beavering away to help the branch.

Why don’t you have your own cake break or get together and raise funds.

Let me know of any events you are holding.

Cake lovers gallery

Sky dive Well Done Rebecca!

These are the pictures of Rebecca BarkerBrown completing her sky dive, Rebecca said: “Well I did it! I jumped from almost 3 miles up above Salisbury Plain and jumped with Garry Wootton an RAF Falcon. It was the most terrifying and brilliant day and the military have asked me to jump again!

I've raised over £550 so far and so hopefully that can all come to Cornwall”.

Best Wishes Rebecca How to sponsor: Make cheques payable to MSS South Cornwall and send them to me, editors contact details are on the back page.

Please support Rebecca if you can, we really appreciate her efforts and support and she has jumped out of an aeroplane to support you!

Malcolm

Message from South Cornwall Branch Thank you Rebecca for supporting the MS community in Cornwall your efforts are an example to us all and are much appreciated. We look forward to your next exciting adventure!

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Read-A-Thon news We are looking forward to the next round of the Read-A-Thon in September, some schools are going to take part again, now that they are aware of the outcomes we would like to work closer with the schools and perhaps develop so interaction for the future.

The Schools DVD is taking shape and will be ready with the new Read-A-Thon material for the start of 2014.

You don’t have to wait for your school to take part, you can complete the Read-A-Thon anytime, just let me know and I will send you a pack.

Any adults out there can also take part so why not set the example to our young people and do a family Read-A-Thon.

Jaspers Jokes

Jasper A child asked his father, "How were people born?" So his father said, "Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on." The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, "We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now." The child ran back to his father and said, "You lied to me!" His father replied, "No, your mum was talking about her side of the family."

There is a senior citizen driving on the motorway. His wife calls him on his cell phone and in a worried voice says, “Herman, be careful! I just heard on the radio that there is a madman driving up the wrong way on the M5!” Herman says, “I know, but there isn't just one, there are hundreds!”

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Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer asks a young engineer fresh out of the Institute of Technology, "And what starting salary are you looking for?" The engineer replies, "In the region of £125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." The interviewer inquires, "Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?"

The engineer sits up straight and says, "Wow! Are you kidding?" The interviewer replies, "Yeah, but you started it."

A Spanish captain was walking on his ship when a soldier rushes to him and exclaims, "An enemy ship is approaching us!" The captain replies calmly, "Go get my red shirt." The soldier gets the shirt for the captain. The enemy ship comes in and heavy rounds of fire are exchanged.

Finally, the Spaniards win. The soldier asks, "Congrats sir, but why the red shirt?" The captain replies, "If I got injured, my blood shouldn't be seen, as I didn't want my men to lose hope." Just then, another soldier runs up and says, "Sir, we just spotted another twenty enemy ships!"

The captain calmly replies, "Go bring my brown pants."

Journey's end by Susan Creese At last, it is that seasonal time of year, when I remember the last time I was taken from here, I was put on the express at London, Clapham Junction, I believe!

We sped rapidly across the countryside into the city, Bristol Templemeads.

I crossed over the platform and boarded the 153 where soldiers, sailors and sweethearts were kissing and some could only grieve.

On into the county of Somerset, shunting into town—Yeovil I believe !

Marching across the parishes: Odcombe, Montacute, High-Ham ……

I am…. hitching a ride on a pony and trap passing over the decaying, demolished monastery into the time honoured melodious store where, I take on board the rations: half-a-butter, a quarter-of-tea, a slab of bread and cheese, with two ounces of hard boiled sweets, humbugs I believe !

Advancing even further, on into the breeze I caught the pungent ether, my nostrils if you please !

Some funky freckled chickens pass by in front of me I repass and respite below the Celebrated ‘Coronation Tree’ where I espy the historic judicious rod…..

‘The whipping stone’ a place for bohemian pageantry.

Ambling along the hedgerows, a sheep bleated in my face the jolt left me half empty and difficult with my pace, in all of this confusion I open up for air My masters volatile expression is a deluge of despair, a row of thorny bushes scratch, so I fend I swagger on regardless, to make the journey’s end!

For the nonce on this occasion, it’s a joy to take the lance: When I sweep up my Mrs, for a waltz they call a dance

C

I read about Megan’s trip to the vets on page 16 what an exciting experience, I have always insisted that Malcolm supports young people when they show interest in educational development and are committed to support an organisation like the MS Society.

My cousin wanted to be a dustman so Malcolm sent him to the rubbish tip and I haven’t seen him since.

I wanted to ask if I can complete a course on making tea but I am frightened he will sent me to China, he is so unpredictable!

Never mind, I am sure that he will continue to support young members of South Cornwall Branch.

Instant frozen berry yogurt Ingredients: • 250g frozen mixed berries • 250g 0%-fat Greek yogurt 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup

Method: Blend berries, yogurt and honey or agave syrup in a food processor for 20 seconds, until it comes together to a smooth ice-cream texture. Scoop into bowls and serve.

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August Quiz answers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Lake Superior The Moon A Farrier A Mackintosh A Sword Dictionary Uranus Greenland

Bingo!

September quiz This quiz is all about countries: 1 Which is the only American state to begin with the letter 'p'?

2 Name the worlds biggest island.

3 What is the worlds longest river?

4 Name the worlds largest ocean.

5 What is the diameter of Earth?

6 Which four British cities have underground rail systems?

7 What is the capital city of Spain?

8 Which country is Prague in?

Two people have call a full house, that must have been the longest game of bingo on record.

Both have returned their winnings to South Cornwall Funds. Thank you.

Please let me know if you want another game.

Patient: Doctor, I have a pain in my eye whenever I drink tea.

Doctor: Take the spoon out of the mug before you drink.

What’s this mystery object?

Patient: Doctor! You've got to help me!

Nobody ever listens to me. No one ever pays any attention to what I have to say.

Doctor: Next please!

Money Boxes Target £2,000.00 Actual to date £950

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Happy birthday to: 9th Nikki Jenkin 14th Jackie Riste 15th Jean Elford 16th Mick Page 17th Anna Jenkin 23rd Ben Robins 26th Jackie Thorne 28th Jane Crew 29th Rachel Long 29th Doreen Tarren 30th Jacquie Read

August mystery object

Poetry Corner

Winter Night

Did you spot the nine differences?

Pale winter moon amongst waves of grays a city grows silent; from across the meadow owl’s ghostly sound.

Have you booked your Christmas lunch yet? Do it now 01209 315386

Can you spot the 14 differences

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Wendy Lobb, M.C.S.P. Private Chartered Physiotherapist Registered Member of the Health Professions Council CSP Membership No. 043667 ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wendy Lobb, Domiciliary Physiotherapist writes . . .

I am delighted to be given the opportunity to write in your magazine. I qualified from Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge in 1985 and have enjoyed a wealth of acute hospital experience around the country, mainly in Neurology, Care of the Elderly and Orthopaedics/ Cold Orthopaedics. During my time in the NHS, it became increasingly apparent that those patients leaving hospital, or indeed those requiring physiotherapy in their own homes, were missing out due to the strain on NHS services.

I am able to spend the necessary time with each client, therefore enabling me to thoroughly assess and thereafter provide treatment and advice which is tailored to the individual’s needs. Every person’s requirements are different, depending on so many factors such as home circumstances, family/ carer’s support, other medical problems, how acute the problem is and even levels of motivation.

Physiotherapists are engineers; constantly striving to find solutions to physical problems.

It is vital to carry out a thorough subjective assessment to work out physical and functional difficulties. It then becomes clear what areas need to be targeted in order to help. Treatment may include stretches (either passive or carried out by the patient independently), mobilisation of stiff joints or muscles, massage, programmes of active exercise for strengthening, advice on many functional activities such as washing and dressing, transferring from bed to chair or wheelchair, how to get in and out of the car. I am also able to help with the re-education of gait (how to walk), access to equipment and aids to make life easier or to facilitate better movement. I liaise closely with other health professionals and am able to give advice based on knowledge of local services.

Working in someone’s home is a privilege. It is very different to visiting someone’s allocated bedside in hospital ! There may be equipment and helpful staff to hand but I am absolutely convinced that physiotherapy in the home is the way forward, especially for longer term rehabilitation. Firstly, patients do not have to endure an exhausting and costly journey to a hospital or distant treatment centres but also avoid the infection risk associated with communal treatment areas. Furthermore, treatment in the home surroundings is a much more relevant method of rehabilitation. We can use kitchen work tops or rails for walking practise and standing exercises, stairs and steps for strengthening and functional practise. Beds and seating can be looked at, practising transfers using the equipment and space available on a day-to-day basis.

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It is important to set at least one goal or aim of treatment. It may be to get from bed to chair alone, to bend a knee to 90 degrees, to relieve pain and stiffness, to walk in the garden, to get up the stairs for a shower or walk to the bathroom. One gentleman last April, who had only just been discharged from hospital after having a stroke said “I want to go to Tenerife in June”!! I enjoyed reading his post card.

Another told me ‘the thing that I really want to do is to get up when I want to, not when the care agency arrive’. When it boiled down to it, he couldn’t get one of his socks on! After I visited the Mobility Centre to research the sock aids, suffered a bit of good humoured grumbling about the cost of the aid, my client was able to reduce the care package from 7 mornings to 2 each week, just for help with showering.

No part of my work is set in stone and I need to be adaptable, flexible, intuitive and quick thinking. I also try, especially with conditions such as M.S., to support family members who become so closely involved with day to day care of their loved one, frequently drawing on my knowledge of local resources, but often simply lending a listening ear.

Wendy is available for home visiting throughout the South Cornwall Branch area and will be delighted to receive any enquiries. She is available on 07768 586821 (daytime) or (01209) 698896. or Email; wendythephysio@gmail.com.

Please read the attached flyer and reply if you are interested in a local physiotherapy service, its your decision!

A message from the National MS Society Youngms.org.uk website A few years ago we set up a website specifically for children and young people affected by MS called: www.youngms.org.uk.

Unfortunately, we have not had the resources or capacity to keep this website as up to date as we’d have liked.

for example by handing out leaflets or bookmarks, or through links on your own websites.

If you do get any enquiries from young people about MS, please signpost them to our Facebook page or to the forums on our website. Alternatively, they can call our helpline directly if they want to talk to someone.

So until we have the resources to keep the site up to date and relevant, we’ve decided to stop advertising it. The main reason being we think it’s unfair to signpost to it when the information isn’t always timely.

Never fear South Cornwall are here! For more local help please call and get in touch with our youth group, you can do that by calling: 01209 860754

Please note we are not shutting the website down and anyone who emails us through the site will still be responded to. But until we can give the site the attention it needs, we’d appreciate it if you don’t promote it in any way.

If you have any concerns please do not hesitate in making contact. This applies to any young person affected in any way by MS. Malcolm

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From Nikki Jenkin

I recently went to a local Arts and Craft Exhibition and found this poem by Jeno Design which I thought I'd share with you

How To Spell Correctly Eye halve a spelling chequer, It came with my pea sea It plainly marques four my revue Miss steaks eye kin knot sea.

Eye strike a key and type a word And weight for it to say Weather eye am wrong oar write It shows me strait a weigh As soon as a mist ache is maid It nose bee fore two long And eye can put the error rite It' rare lea ever wrong Eye have run this poem threw it I am shore your pleased two no It's letter perfect all the weigh My chequer tolled me sew.

Hope you enjoyed it. Look at next months Lifeboat for another.

Nikki

Did you know that Nikki is our Megan’s auntie, can you see the resemblance?

No neither can I !!

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As I've had no response as to who last months photo was, I take it you don't know.

For this reason I have decided to give you another month to ponder.

Look out in next months Lifeboat for the answer....and in true Jasper style...I think I'll have another cup of tea!!!!

Nikki September Thoughts As September begins let’s roll back time. I suppose it must be more than fifty years since I started at senior school: You remember? That scary time when you go into the big, bad world, coming into contact with a whole new bunch of teachers, bossy fifth and sixth formers, even new to the second year who think they are better than you children, rules and yet more RULES - things like moving from classroom to classroom instead of staying in your own little world with the friends you have grown up with. New words enter your vocabulary, words like algebra, detention, homework (what, every night, sir?) This month my grandson will be stepping into that wide blue yonder. What will the new school year offer him and the thousands of other fast-growing youngsters embarking on this great adventure? Will they grasp it with both hands and enjoy their education? I do hope so!

Do you have children or grandchildren starting a new life? Perhaps their very first day at school, maybe they are beginning college or university, their first job, married life or even emigrating.

Whatever the future holds for them, let’s pray they meet each new challenge with excitement and hope.

May your God watch over them and you.

Ros

Mary Smith is now blogging Mary Smith is now blogging, so here is the latest post. Mary looks forward to receiving feedback!

Many years ago I told a friend I don't like being kissed: it makes me uneasy!

Now I am totally disabled except for my left arm and my head. I am fortunate to have many friends who come and visit me; when they come most of them kiss me. Some, mainly women, kiss the air near my cheek with our cheeks touching, or actually kiss my cheek.

I have one friend who has never kissed me: she says she isn't from a kissing family and somehow our smiles when we meet each other are warm enough to suffice.

Many years ago when I was first in a wheelchair, Adrian, my husband, and I went to a party; my women friends mainly kissed me and often sat on the floor so as to be roughly at my height and then we could talk; only one man kissed me.

Later, when I told my friends of this, we agreed that manoeuvring oneself to kiss someone in a wheelchair is not easy. After this conversation with my friends they obviously had told their husbands about my situation, and their husbands were always prepared to give me a kiss when they saw me. Only one person has asked me if he could give me a kiss; this was after a warm exchange.

Now people come to see me when I'm in my wheelchair or bed and I happily accept their kisses. As I can't move I am a sitting duck whether I'm in the chair or in bed!

Some people will kiss me on the forehead.

There are a number of men who kiss me on my lips which, when it first happened, I felt was a bit intrusive, but now I feel quite honoured and happy to accept such kisses.

Another tactile experience I have with other people is that they hug me or put a hand on my shoulder or arm or knee which to me says they are not overwhelmed by the situation and they are empathetic with me.

I hope my friends will enjoy this writing for my blog. I do not want anyone to change what they do.

Helping your branch It may be interesting to know that your branch spends over ÂŁ25,000.00 per year on services to its members, this money has to be raised before we can give the services that we offer and your committee has done a great job in doing that but the time will come when we are unable to raise such funds.

Of course we can reduce our services to you but the only people to suffer would be our members and people with MS. So you see that we must maintain an income to give the same or better level of service.

It is our policy that all our events are non profit making giving the best possible service with little or no cost to our members How can you help?

Its really very simple, by holding small events in your homes or community centres you can help raise funds.

A simple coffee morning, cake break, quiz evening or card games. These can raise funds for the branch, just ÂŁ5 or ÂŁ10 pounds can make all the difference.

If you let us know what you would like to do we can even give you a South Cornwall fund raising pack suited to your event, and help you with the organisation.

Help us maintain our services by donations, events, sponsorships etc. They will make all the difference to the future of our branch.

Thank you Malcolm Glister

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page Megan’s

I woke up to the sound of talking, probably just some nurse outside. But the thing was I recognised the voice I forced my eyes to open. And there she was eyes open talking, talking to me. I couldn’t believe it I pinched myself to make sure it was real. I ran over to her and gave her a massive hug, when we pulled apart I sat back down in the chair.

She looked tired really tired. But she insisted that she wasn’t so we began talking, I told her what had happened while she was gone you know. Eventually she fell asleep. I thought about how much I’d missed her, my thoughts were interrupted by the noise of my stomach growling. I laughed and made my way down to the cafe. I looked up at the menu. Gross, disgusting, ew what else pancakes yum pancakes. I ordered my food and waited for it to come. About five minutes later my food came.Yum, I dug in straight away a few moments later I heard someone clear their throat, I looked up and smiled at her. It was the lady from yesterday, she asked if she could sit down, I nodded my head as she took a seat.

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She began to ask me questions and about my family. I looked down at the table as I told her that I was from a Care home and how my mum died and my dad left me and my sister. She smiled which honestly creeped me out a little. I just sat there.

Then she began to talk again.

“The last time I saw you, you were just a small little baby cradled in your mother’s arms”.

How did she know my mum? Who was she?

“You must be wondering who I am” Just a bit, She laughed, shoot I must’ve said that out loud. I just smiled.

“As I said before I’m Sarah and I‘m your auntie” WHAT!? I’m your auntie kept replaying over and over again in my head.

She couldn’t be I have no family. I couldn’t say anything all that came out was “uh...uh” She looked at me expectantly “You can’t be I don’t have a family” “You do I’m your family” “Is this some kind of sick joke because it’s not funny” No, no of course it’s not a joke I’ve been talking to your care worker for a few months and we decided I should tell you now” I smiled speechless and that’s when I began to notice a few similarities, we had the same hair, eyes and even the kind of the same skin tone.

She carried on talking. “Your care worker’s come to the conclusion that you can come and live with me!” I couldn’t believe it I had a family.

South Cornwall branch MS Youth Group West “Making Sense” I have had an ambition to become a vet for a few years now and I was given the chance to go to the vets for a day.

I had a great day and really enjoyed myself. It was a great experience and I’d like to thank Malcolm and Ruth for giving me that chance.

Don’t think you can get away without questions from the youth group. From a rabbits point of view I think you will make a great vet, I can’t say the same for snakes though. I also worry about chickens as I hear that you like them fried!

Did you see any bad injuries?

I saw a young puppy who was bitten by an adder and was lucky to be alive.

Did you see any small animals?

I saw a budgie but it was mostly cats and dogs Did you see any x rays?

I saw the X ray room but not any X rays Do you still want to be a vet?

Yeah I really enjoyed my day!

l What did you enjoy most?

I think I enjoyed the puppy training the most they were so cute!

What animals did you handle?

I handled nearly all of the puppies at puppy training and stroked a few of the injured cats and dogs Did you enjoy it?

Yeah it was REALLY fun and I leant a lot Did you see any operations?

I saw the very end of a small operation on a cat and I saw them prep a cat and the very beginning of an operation on a puppy with a broken leg What was the biggest animal you saw?

I saw a few big dogs and at the end of the puppy training that came into be weighed and it was like the size of a lion

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Carwinion Bring a plant Buy a plant 21st September

Sadly this will be the last Carwinion open day for South Cornwall Branch of the MS Society.

We need to make this the best ever so get down to Carwinion on the 21st September and spend some time and money in the fantastic gardens.

We can’t thank Carwinion enough for their support over the years.

Carwinion have been raising funds for the South Cornwall Branch for many years and their funds raised for the branch will be sadly missed.

Please support their efforts one last time!

In next months Lifeboat magazine: Members pages Youth Group page MS News Megan’s page Branch events Read-A-Thon news

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all South Cornw ts 2013 Branch even

Coffee mornings South Cornwall branch want to hold coffee mornings throughout their area, if you want to volunteer to hold a coffee morning to raised funds for your branch please contact me and we will help to advertise your event and even provide relevant promotion materials.

Look out for our fund raising pack proposals in next months magazine.

Events taking place at Merlin MS Centre

1940’s Night on November 2nd Get your tickets for this super event and enjoy an evening in the 1940’s, 40’s dress optional but preferred. Call for tickets: 01209 860754 Christmas Lunch Christmas lunch 2013 is on the 7th December at the Membly Hall Hotel Falmouth. Book your places with Chris Tel 01209 315386 Free for people with MS £5.00 for carers £13.00 for guests

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.

September Sun 15th Garden Party and Cream Tea 2.30 till 5pm At Pencarey, Trevilly Lane, St Teath Fri 20th Pop Up Party Night Tapas Evening at Merlin MS Centre. The last of our summer pop up evenings. 7pm for 7.30 start. Tickets £10.00pp available from the centre Details subject to change Ellie May, Communications and Corporate Events Manager Tel: 01726 885530

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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 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month: Trelowarren Arms, Budock Water, Falmouth, between 11.00am and 2.00pm approx. Coffee and/or lunch.

Open to all.

Last Monday 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 of each month 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

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: Karen Moore Telephone 01872 274188 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 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