Are you up to the Challenge? In August, the Chilterns MS Centre launched a new virtual fundraising challenge that anybody can get involved in, to mark the start of their 35th birthday celebrations. Challenge 35 aims to raise money to support the running costs of the Centre, which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sarah McCready decided she needed to get out and about at the start of lockdown, but couldn’t go anywhere because of her MS. She set about doing 30 laps of her garden in her wheelchair for 35 days. Come rain or shine she completed her challenge, despite the lack of energy and difficulty with her eyesight, made worse by the lack of being able to receive her usual treatment at the Centre.
Participants can choose their own challenge, as long as it revolves around the number 35. So you could run 35km, give something up for 35 days or do something 35 times. Anything is possible, as long as you can get sponsored for it.
at least 40% of its annual income. It has continued to support people through the pandemic with virtual classes, appointments and workshops, but has still had ongoing costs throughout. Challenge 35 hopes to The Centre supports over 550 people reduce this deficit. affected by MS, a life-long condition that affects how messages are passed from your When speaking about the charity’s first ever brain to parts of your body. Symptoms can virtual event, Lauren Parker, Community and include chronic fatigue, loss of mobility, sight Events Fundraising Manager, said: “We’re impairment and reduced bladder control. very lucky to have received funding to Such symptoms have a dramatic impact on allow us to make Challenge 35 happen this everyday life and there is no cure. The Centre year. The current fundraising climate is so offers people therapy to help manage their challenging so we’re hoping that people use symptoms, as well as emotional and practical this opportunity to support the Centre when support to continue to lead a fulfilling life. we really need it. We rely on our community, There are over 1800 people in the Chilterns and need their support to sustain our services, so Challenge 35 is a fun and simple area diagnosed with MS. way for them to get involved and raise vital The charity, which provides all of its funds for us. The team are so excited to see treatments for free, was set up 35 years ago everyone taking on their own challenge, in a as there was no ongoing, regular treatment location of their choice, at a time that suits for people with MS. It is now one of the them, to help us celebrate our 35th birthday largest MS therapy centres in the country, this September!” but relies on the generosity of its supporters to raise the vital funds to keep it going. Two members who benefit from the Centre’s COVID-19 meant all of its fundraising events support felt that they wanted to get involved had to be cancelled, meaning it has lost and have already started their challenges.
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Wendover News September 2020
She said: “I wanted to do something to help the Centre and also to give me a boost as well. I love my garden so this seemed like the right thing to do.” Patrick Burke walks with great difficulty due to muscular fatigue and poor balance, caused by his MS. Despite this he plans to walk for an hour to raise money and hopes to walk 3.5km over the next month as he trains for his challenge. He said: “The Chilterns MS Centre is a wonderful place for people affected by MS. The staff understand disability, pain and chronic fatigue as well as the physical and emotional problems of MS and provide supportive therapies and treatments.” By taking on your own Challenge 35, you will be making such a difference to people affected by this incurable condition and will help them to continue to lead a healthy and happy life. Visit challenge.chilternsmscentre.org to take part and support this local charity.
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