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

South Cornwall Branch

Monthly Magazine

The Lifeboat

August 2013

Coming soon a 1940’s Night, Coming soon a 1940’s Night, Coming soon a 1940’s Night, Coming soon a 1940’s Night,

look out for more details next look out for more details next look out for more details next look out for more details next

monthmonthmonthmonth

1

MS News

Page 3 Nuedexta drug approved for

people with MS.

Government to re-consult on PIP

mobility criteria

Page 4 Thinking about a supported short

break?

Zebrafish research gives clues for

myelin repair Page 5 Thought for the month

Page 6 Sky Dive

Page 7 Read-A-Thon Page 8 Read-A-Thon Page 9/10 Quiz page

14

Page 11 Young peoples group

Page 12 Members

Page 13/14 The get together

Page 15 Megan’s page

Page 16 Carwinion

Page 17 Carers page

Page 18 Events

Page 19 Information page

Cover page: A good reminder that there is going to be a 1940’s evening in the Autumn

this year so you can dress up in your 1940’s outfits and enjoy the evening, there will be

food and music, 1940’s of course.

Watch out for details in next months magazine.

Inside the Lifeboat

this month

2

Chairman’s Report

Editors Note

Hi Everyone

Yet another busy month

has flown by with lots

developing in the

pipeline.

Great news from Mike

about the replacement

for Malcolm, we all welcome Hilary aboard.

The Money raised by Chapman family is a

welcome addition to our funds.

I am pleased to say that the get together on

29th July was a great success, the venue

was full and for a moment I thought it

would not be enough room but there was

and everyone had a great time.

I am now working on the next theme. The Read-A-Thon awards have taken

place, what a great experience this has

been and MS awareness within schools

has certainly increased, some of the

schools pupils I have re-visited after a year

still recall the MS presentation and its

content, and of course there’s the money

raised to help people with MS. September

see the next round of the MS

Read-A-Thon.

Hello everyone.

I am very pleased

to announce that

when Malcolm

Thorne retires

soon, a young lady called Hilary has agreed

to replace him. Of course no one can fully

replace Malcolm because he has with his

wife Jackie been very active and supportive

members of our Branch. Both have been

good friends of mine with the ability to bring

unique qualities rarely found nowadays. I

am talking as they have left already but they

are leaving in December. The Chapman

family continue to raise money for us at car

boot sales and recently accepted a very

generous offer from Hayle Rugby Club of a

whole bucket of pennies donated by the

public. To our surprise it contained over

seventy pounds.

If there are any artists out there, I have an

old strong artists easel at home going

begging. There are loads of things that I could

ramble on about but there is only so much

that you can take, so I will let you relax and

continue with reading our fantastic, expertly

compiled, very interesting ( I wish I could

remember all the exact things Jasper said

the magazine contained ) Do you find him

like me soooooooo funny! and a creep!

MikeMikeMikeMike

I must thank Mike May who I have dragged

out at all hours to take pictures of the

presentation of awards, I can recall starting

at 7.00am in Penzance and finishing at

3.00pm in Truro having visited more than

one school in the county. Thanks Mike.

Mike May also comes with me to film the

awareness DVD, he is our camera man as

well as our Web Manager.

Look out for our 1940’s evening in the

autumn, it promises to be great fun, you

can get dressed up in your best 1940’s

outfit but watch out for Mike Georges

choice of costume, we wait with baited

breath!

Another exciting venture is our Young MS

group, read about it on page 11 and if you

are interested get in touch we will be

pleased to hear from you.

The last Carwinion open day for MS is on

the 21st September, please make an effort

to support this event, we can’t thank them

enough for their support over the years and

it will be a sad loss to the South Cornwall

Branch.

MMMMaaaallllccccoooollllmmmm

3

News from the MS National Centre

Nuedexta drug approved for people with

MS

Nuedexta, a drug

used to help

manage

uncontrollable

emotional

outbursts,

has been

approved for use in Europe. We believe it

will make a significant difference to people

with MS who experience the condition.

Nuedexta was first approved in the USA in

2010, and the benefits of the drug include

its ability to reduce the number of episodes

of uncontrollable emotional expression.

The roll-out of the drug in the UK and

Europe, as granted by the Committee for

Medicinal Products for Human Use

(CHMP), will provide significant respite to

people experiencing this condition who

require support to help manage it.

Uncontrollable emotional outbursts in MSUncontrollable emotional outbursts in MSUncontrollable emotional outbursts in MSUncontrollable emotional outbursts in MS

Uncontrollable bouts of laughing or crying

which are unrelated or disproportionate to a

person’s emotional state affect around 10

per cent of people living with MS. It’s

something that can be distressing,

embarrassing and confusing for people

living with the condition, including family

and carers.

It’s also known as ‘affective release’ or the

‘Pseudobulbar Affect’ and is thought to

come from MS-related damage to nerves in

the brain that control the formation,

modification and expression of emotions.

The emotional outbursts can sometimes

lead to problems recognising that someone

with MS is really troubled and that real

problems aren’t taken seriously.

Our MS Essentials on mood, depression

and emotions has more information on

affective release and other emotional

symptoms of, and reactions to, MS.

A positive stepA positive stepA positive stepA positive step

Ed Holloway, Head of Care and Services

Research at MS Society said:

“The MS Society welcomes the news that

Nuedexta is being made available in the UK

and Europe. A significant number of people

living with MS experience ‘affective release’,

and the introduction of a new treatment

option to help manage and treat the often

distressing symptoms is a really positive

step.”

For help and support for any emotional

issues, please contact our Helpline.

Government to re-consult on PIP mobility

criteria

The Government has

announced it will

review a recent

decision to change

mobility criteria for

Personal

Independence Payment (PIP).

The u-turn means people with MS, and

other disabilities, will be able to raise their

concerns at changes which would cause

large numbers of people to miss out on

fundamental support.

Devastating changesDevastating changesDevastating changesDevastating changes

The move comes after the MS Society and

50 other charities which form the Disability

Benefits Consortium (DBC) voiced

concerns that the strict mobility criteria for

PIP would have a devastating impact if it

wasn’t reviewed.

The DBC highlighted that if people can walk

20m even using aids such as sticks they

wouldn’t qualify for the enhanced rate of

the benefit,

4

The Good Care Group, an award-winning

care company, have developed a new

home respite and holiday care service for

people with MS, as a result of working with

the MS Society. The new service is available from 1 June

and enables people with MS to access high

quality live-in care services for short periods

of respite care. The Good Care Group’s professional carers

are receiving specialist training about MS

from the MS Society.

and could lose up to £1,800 a year or their

Motability vehicle. Many people rely on this

to maintain their independence and live

their daily lives.

Positive step forwardPositive step forwardPositive step forwardPositive step forward

Claire Nurden, Senior Policy and

Campaigns Officer at the MS Society and

Co-Chair of the DBC said:

“We are extremely pleased that the

Department for Work and Pensions has

decided to review this vital area of the PIP

benefit. It’s a crucial opportunity for the MS

Society and people with MS themselves to

highlight the potentially devastating impact

this policy could have on people with the

condition.

"If the policy is changed as a result of this

consultation, it will be a positive step

towards ensuring that all people get the

right access to vital support in order for

them to retain their independence and

everyday way of life.”

Help change policyHelp change policyHelp change policyHelp change policy

If you think you‘ll be affected by the 20

metre rule, either through loss of the upper

rate of the mobility component of DLA or

the loss of a Motability vehicle, we want to

know about it.

Please email [email protected]

and we’ll tell you how you can get involved

in the campaign. The sooner you get in

touch the better as the consultation ends

on Monday 5 August.

Thinking about a supported short break?

They have also been working with a

specialist MS service provider to ensure

their carers have a true understanding of

MS in order to provide the very best

support. How it works

Following an assessment, clients purchase

a period of one week of care. This can be

taken in one go or can be split over two

shorter periods (a minimum of three nights)

over the following six months. The care can

be delivered at home or away (ie. in

accessible accommodation). Future periods

of care can then be booked in minimum

periods of three nights. This specialist MS service is available as

either:

♦ A live-in basis across England and

Scotland

♦ A holiday service that enables you to

take a carer with you wherever you go

in the UK or overseas. For more information or to discuss your

specific needs contact The Good Care

Group on 08000 234 220, or

[email protected] or see

their website at

www.thegoodcaregroup.com/ms. The MS Society’s Short Breaks and

Activities Fund can provide grants for the

costs associated with short breaks and

holidays with care. To find our more and to

apply, call 020 8438 0700 and ask for a

member of the grants team or email

[email protected]

Zebrafish research gives clues for myelin

repair

Researchers based at the MS Society

Centre for Translational Medicine, University

of Edinburgh, have used zebrafish to

understand how myelin repair works. The

results could give important clues on how it

doesn’t work as efficiently in people with

MS.

5

Ros Parker is going to be

writing our thought for the

month and August is her

first.

Welcome to the Lifeboat

Magazine Ros

LIFEBOAT – THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST

Pushing my rollator up what used to be a

gentle slope but is now something akin to

Everest, I was making my way to the

doctor’s surgery; a journey which in the ‘old

days’ would have taken me perhaps three

or four minutes. Today I left just after ten for

my 10.35 appointment. Plenty of time to

stop for a rest! As I walked, I got to thinking

how lucky I am. ‘I have all the time I need to

get there’, I thought, and silently thanked

God for my good fortune. I met a friend on

the way so had a perfect excuse to stop. It

was good to have to rest for a minute or

two but it was what she said as we parted

that set me thinking; “Take care”, a

common enough thing we say often say on

parting. Normally I would have been sitting

in my wheelchair and the person who

‘takes care’ of me would be the one doing

the walking. Another thing to thank God for!

If only he had known when we married 48

years ago what he would be doing now......

How easy life used to be. Did I ever thank

God then? No, I don’t think I ever did. Now

I know how truly blessed I am to live in this

beautiful county, to have a great deal of

support from many and various people,

from doctors and social services personnel

to friends, and even strangers, not

forgetting of course the South Cornwall MS

Society and Merlin. Whenever things look

bleak I try to remember all the blessings I

have.

Until the next time, I promise to pray for all

you members and carers. And may your

God watch over you.

Ros Parker

The team used zebrafish, a type of tropical

fish, because they share more than 80 per

cent of the genes associated with human

diseases. They’re also transparent, which

means researchers can look at their

nervous system without surgical or physical

intervention.

The research, published today in the journal

Developmental Cell, looked at the ability of

individual cells called oligodendrocytes to

generate myelin. The researchers found the

cells have only a very short time period of a

few hours in which to make this protective

coating.

Promoting myelin formationPromoting myelin formationPromoting myelin formationPromoting myelin formation

The researchers are now focusing on how

manipulation of genes and the use of

treatments might promote myelin formation

in zebrafish. We hope the results of this

study will be used to find ways of

encouraging myelin repair in people with

MS.

Dr Susan Kohlhaas, head of biomedical

research at the MS Society said:

“These new results demonstrate, for the

first time, that myelin repair happens in a

matter of hours. Although this is early stage

research, it’s encouraging to see new

techniques being used to tell us more

about how myelin repair works.

"One of the MS Society’s priorities is

developing new myelin repair treatments so

we look forward to finding out about what

the researchers at the University of

Edinburgh are able to achieve next.”

Together to beat MSTogether to beat MSTogether to beat MSTogether to beat MS

Around 100,000 people in the UK have

MS. It affects two million more.

We offer hope for the future by investing

millions in research, and help for today

through our information, support and

campaigning.

6

Sky dive

This is one brave lady, Rebecca Barker-

Brown is the Executive Head at Lanlivery

and Darite schools, having supported the

Read-A-Thon Rebecca is now going to

completed a sponsored sky dive in aid of

MS.

By the time you read this magazine

Rebecca would have completed the dive

but you can still send in your sponsor

money. All the money raised is coming to

the Cornwall MS Branches.

How to sponsor:How to sponsor:How to sponsor: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 is jumping out of an aeroplane for

you.

MalcolmMalcolmMalcolmMalcolm

Is there anything I can’t do?Is there anything I can’t do?Is there anything I can’t do?Is there anything I can’t do?

Of course I have been skydiving for

years, I could give Rebecca a few tips

but it will be all over by the time this

magazine goes out.

I have the advantage of being able to flap

my ears so I don’t spill my tea!!

Jaspers Joke:Jaspers Joke:Jaspers Joke:Jaspers Joke: A blind man was describing his favourite

sport - parachuting. When asked how

this was accomplished, he said that

things were all done for him: "I am

placed in the door and told when to

jump. My hand is placed on my release

ring for me, and out I go." "But how do

you know when you are going to land?"

he was asked. "I have a very keen sense of smell and I

can smell the trees and grass when I am

300 feet from the ground," he answered. "But how do you know when to lift your

legs for the final arrival on the ground?"

he was again asked. He quickly answered "Oh, the dog's

leash goes slack."

I hope to have some pictures for the next

magazine.

Let me know if you feel like jumping out of

an aeroplane or have any exciting fund

raising events.

Read-A-Thon news

7

July saw the presentation of awards in all but two of the schools that

took part in the Read-A-Thon. Working with these schools has been a

pleasure, I must thank the Head Teachers and Staff for their valued

contribution to the Read-A-Thon.

Cape Cornwall SchoolCape Cornwall SchoolCape Cornwall SchoolCape Cornwall School

Cape Cornwall school has over 400

students and has supported the MS

Society with the Read-A-Thon and the

awareness DVD. Our thanks go to Head Teacher Mrs Julie

Nash, Librarian Mrs Megan Nelhams

and Emily hill Deputy Head as well as all

the staff and students who have and are

still supported us.

Cape Cornwall School

Lanlivery School

Lanlivery SchoolLanlivery SchoolLanlivery SchoolLanlivery School

Lanlivery School was one of the first to take on the Read-A-Thon challenge and has held

other fundraising events for MS. We thank Mrs Rebecca Barker-Brown, her staff and all

the students for their continued support.

You will see Rebecca Barker-Brown on Page ? for her sky dive, we hope it all went well

and perhaps we can publish some pictures in September’s magazine.

8

St Mary’s C of E School

As you will know from previous magazines

students at St Mary’s School took part in

the Read-A-Thon and raised a great deal of

money, but they where also winners of the

Oritse JLS prize.

You can see them here as proud owners of

the Hat and signed photo of JLS.

St Mary’s C of E School supported us well

with the Read-A-Thon. A great thank you

goes to Head Teacher Hilary Tyreman and

her staff.

Darite School

The executive head teacher at Darite School is also the head of Lanlivery, Mrs Rebecca

Barker-Brown, as you can see we had a great time presenting the awards and thank all

the students who took part and the school staff, it is this kind of support that make our

relationship with schools so successful.

Rebecca Barker-Brown is going to complete the Read-A-Thon again in September.

Devoran School

I must thank Mike May who I have

dragged out at all hours to take

pictures of the presentation of awards, I

can recall starting at 7.00am in

Penzance and finishing at 3.00pm in

Truro having visited more than one

school over the county.

Thanks Mike.

Mike May also comes with me to film

the awareness DVD, he is our camera

man as well as our Web Manager.

Pictures by Mike May

9

August quizAugust quizAugust quizAugust quiz July Quiz answersJuly Quiz answersJuly Quiz answersJuly Quiz answers

Target

£2,000.00

Actual

to date £914

Money Boxes

Happy birthday to:

1st1st1st1st Bertha Ferguson

5th 5th 5th 5th Amanda Durnford

17th17th17th17th Tony Parkes

23rd23rd23rd23rd Mr B Clutterbuck

26th 26th 26th 26th Heather Ashton 66

9

What’s this mystery object?

1 LAVA

2 VIEW

3 TURNS

4 OWNS

5 EYED

1 Name the largest fresh water lake in the

world.

2 Where would you find the Sea of

Tranquillity?

3 What is someone who shoes horses

called?

4 What item of clothing was named after

its Scottish inventor?

5 What kind of weapon is a falchion?

6 What is another word for lexicon?

7 Name the seventh planet from the sun.

8 Name the worlds biggest island.

Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in:

January January January January 10, 26, 43, & 61

FebruaryFebruaryFebruaryFebruary 52, 90, 76, & 85

March March March March 5, 30, 46 & 67

AprilAprilAprilApril 13, 49, 23, & 73

May May May May 79, 45, 16, & 28

JuneJuneJuneJune 65, 18, 41, & 87

July July July July 57, 3, 8, & 69

August August August August 83, 59, 71, & 20

SeptemberSeptemberSeptemberSeptember 38, 63, 75, &1

OctoberOctoberOctoberOctober 33, 77, 55, & 89

NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember 51, 86, 48, & 35

DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 11, 32, 53, & 68

January 13 January 13 January 13 January 13 81, 31, 15, & 25

February 13 February 13 February 13 February 13 40, 22, 78, & 36

March 13 March 13 March 13 March 13 44, 56, 21, & 6

April 13 April 13 April 13 April 13 80, 39, 50, & 74

May 13 May 13 May 13 May 13 42, 84, 24, & 37

JuneJuneJuneJune 13131313 2, 60, 34, & 70

July 13 July 13 July 13 July 13 58, 29, 62, & 7

August 13August 13August 13August 13 14, 66, 12, & 82

September

6 BETS

7 DELAY

8 LOU

9 MINCE PIE

10 DONOR

What's the difference between roast beef

and pea soup? -- Anyone can roast beef.

" What do you call a deer with no eyes?

No eye deer. "

Can you spot the 9 differences 10

July

mystery

object

Did you spot the ten differences?

Poetry Poetry Poetry Poetry

CornerCornerCornerCorner

" What happens when you get scared

half to death twice? "

11

Young MS and

friends

Hi,

My name is Lauren Jenkins and I am the

Young MS and friends group officer for the

South Cornwall Branch of the MS Society. Welcome to the group and what it can offer

you.

Are you a young person affected MS?

Ever wondered what it would be like to

speak to other young people affected by

the condition?

Have you just been diagnosed and need

some help and advice away from the

general MS branch Joining the South Cornwall Multiple

Sclerosis Young Persons group will allow

you to learn and exchange experiences that

other young people have had or are having

when affected by MS

The young peoples support team can help

you to consider future goals and managing

your condition to the best of your ability Realising your potential and abilities!Realising your potential and abilities!Realising your potential and abilities!Realising your potential and abilities!

Sharing experiences with other people can

allow you to focus on what you are good at,

living with MS can be challenging however

you shouldn’t be beaten, together with

friends we can focus on the positives and

develop new and exciting activities. # Who’s

in? The MS young people’s team are here for The MS young people’s team are here for The MS young people’s team are here for The MS young people’s team are here for

youyouyouyou----

Why? Why? Why? Why? Because we understand that it can

sometimes be hard to talk and

communicate with people outside your age

group, talking about the personal things

that MS can bring!

Being able to talk to someone like yourself

can help in many ways. How? How? How? How? Meeting with people with MS will

give you the chance to exchange how the

condition effects you, friends can help with

emotional support~ so lets hear your side

of the story! Understanding what you want from life!

Do you want to learn more about yourself?

Proving activities can help you bond with

new people and talk.

Are you newly diagnosed with MS:Are you newly diagnosed with MS:Are you newly diagnosed with MS:Are you newly diagnosed with MS:

Have you been diagnosed with MS

recently? Do you feel like you don’t know

who to turn to for advice of support?

Young MS and friends can help you to

understand your condition.

Friends can give you the companionship

when learning to cope with being newly

diagnosed.

Having the support of others will help you

to be able to start thinking about the

potential changes that you may have to

make in your life,

however just because you have been told

you have MS doesn’t mean you have to

stop doing the things you love doing~

never stop trying, continue to be a high

achiever. Contact the Young MS and Friends group

and find out more: Tel: 01209 860754

Email: [email protected]

12

In next months Lifeboat magazine: Members pages & Magazine Bingo Youth Group page Young MS and Friends page MS News Megan’s page Branch events Read-A-Thon news

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

IMPORTANT NOTICE

South Cornwall Vouchers

Hi Malcolm and everyone I just wanted to say what a lovely time we

had at the recent branch event at the

Carnon Inn. I was able to catch up with

people, meet some new and enjoyed a

'natural looking' make over.

Also, the food was really nice, I did notice

Kev went up a few times…

I have continued to read the pages from

Mary Smith - and by offering this piece, she

must have thought that this would not be

easy reading for some of us at times.

However, as she says, 'People are always

saying they can't imagine how it must feel

to be me...give them some idea of my

predicament.' It certainly does that Mary, I

really had no idea, you're a very brave lady

and your poetry and writing make me

think, thank you.

I feel I should mention Megan on the front

cover: this young lady's picture makes me

smile every time I look at her happy face!

Oh...forgot the quiz… Thanks to all, Wendy and Kev Hughes Thanks for your comments Wendy it’s Thanks for your comments Wendy it’s Thanks for your comments Wendy it’s Thanks for your comments Wendy it’s

always good to get feedback and we always good to get feedback and we always good to get feedback and we always good to get feedback and we

appreciate yours and Kev’s support at our appreciate yours and Kev’s support at our appreciate yours and Kev’s support at our appreciate yours and Kev’s support at our

functions.functions.functions.functions.

We are trying to vary the programme so We are trying to vary the programme so We are trying to vary the programme so We are trying to vary the programme so

“everyone”, give us your feedback, we “everyone”, give us your feedback, we “everyone”, give us your feedback, we “everyone”, give us your feedback, we

nnnneeeeeeeedddd iiiitttt!!!!

Important notice Helston & Lizard Group meeting: Wheal

Dream Restaurant, Helston

from 11.00am to approx 2.00pm. Lunch at

discounted rate.

This has changed from the last Tuesday to

the last Monday of the month.

Correction: Physiotherapist Wendy Lobb has had

incorrect contact details issued resulting in

patients being unable to contact her for

treatment

The correct details are:

Telephone number: 01209 698896

Wendy Lobb contact details

13 5 5 13

The get together

What a cracking get together we had at the

Carnon Inn, so many people and so much

going on.

This must have been one of the best get

togethers yet, the room was packed with

people from all areas, even as far away as

Fowey.

The makeovers were a popular feature

particularly with the men! Although for

many of us it was too late, there wasn’t

much to work on the ladies of course

looked beautiful.

We must thank Karen Richards from

Body Shop for her time with us. Her

work made people feel special and

pampered.

The QuizThe QuizThe QuizThe Quiz

The quiz got us all thinking, there was a

great deal of head scratching going on but

of course the brainy ones got there in the

end and won a box of chocolates which

didn’t appear to last very long, I think that

Mike George had a lot to do with it!!

It was lovely to see so many people with

their families. this made it an event for

everyone to enjoy.

Get together’s are difficult to judge with

varying tastes and requirements that have

to be catered for but the answer seems to

be in variety with different activities to suit

all ages.

If you would like to see a particular activity

at our next get together please let me

know and I will try to arrange them.

There is also the distance problem, we

were pleased to see Susan Creese and

family all the way down from Fowey but

not everyone can travel far, so we will be

holding our get together in different parts

of our area, watch out for the next one it

could be near you.

14

12

6 14

The food was good and lots of people had their photo taken so all in all a very good

afternoon. Don’t miss the next one! Our thanks go to:

Karen Richards Makeovers

Nikki Jenkin Quiz and raffle

Mike May Photography

15

Megan’s page

Megan’s page

Megan’s page

Megan’s page

15

Coma Story part III

Last month…

The machines

suddenly start

beeping loudly.

Nurses run into the

room and usher me

outside… I try to look in through the glass

window but I can’t see anything, the

beds surrounded by bodies of doctors

and nurses trying to find out the

problem. I turn around and sit in one

of the blue metal chairs that are

screwed into the wall. I must have

fallen asleep because the next thing I

know there’s a nurse sitting next to

me. I sit up straight and smile. She

introduces herself and tells me what

happened. She explains how Taylor had started

to breath by herself and that the

machine was just beeping to tell them

that it wasn’t needed anymore. She

talks to me like I’m five but at least

she speaks English unlike some of the

other nurses around this place,

saying all of those big words that

nobody really understands. I’m

speechless, I know that this doesn’t

mean she’ll definitely be OK but its

hope. I walk back into the white room she’s

lying there in the bed. I stand at the

end of the bed and watch her

breathing and I know that she’s trying

to come back to me. I stay at the

hospital until ten and then get the bus

home. I fall asleep straight away once

again visiting my dream world.

The next mornings a bit better than

the one before. I get dressed and pull

a brush through my hair. I then trot

down the stairs and waltz into the

kitchen where the smell of bacon

drifts up my nose making my mouth

water. Finally someone who can cook.

I look at the table where everyone’s

sat. Looking at me. I smile at them

and they all return it carrying on with

their breakfast. I get some bacon and

eggs and sit down digging in straight

away. By the time I’ve finished

everyone’s watching TV. I put my plate

into the sink and join them. At one I

get a lift to the hospital. I push the

door open to find a woman sitting in

my chair. She looks at me and without

saying anything gets up and leaves.

Who was she? How did she know my

sister? What was she doing here? All

of these questions were going around

in my mind.

I sit in my, now, empty chair and look

at another bunch of flowers that

have mysteriously appeared overnight.

Could they have been from her? And

if they weren’t who were they from? I

talk to her again until I have nothing

else to say. Then I just sit and listen

to her breathing in and out…

Another bunch of

flowers arrived

82

16

JasperJasperJasperJasper

16

Costly ButtonsCostly ButtonsCostly ButtonsCostly Buttons

Pushing a button

Easy, peasy lemon squeezy

Pushing a button

On a micro wave seafood

Easy, peasy lemon squeezy

Pushing a button

On government pressures`

cutting costs and cutting time

Easy, peasy lemon squeezy

Pushing a button

Tied to a chair

Force-fed a frozen meal

Horse meat and puffer fish included

But where’s the care?

Easy, peasy lemon squeezy

Pushing a button

Remorseful, drinking tea at 7(am)

Bullied and tucked-in-bed by 11(am)

Lights-out, fall-out, knocked-out

But no-one there

Easy, peasy lemon squeezy

“nearly half way there”…?

Pushing a button

There is no doubt

How the government push the disabled out

Disability living allowance in question?

to, personal independent payment

What a PIP

Yet another sjambok mock

doing a 20 metre two-seater rock

Leaving the disabled without

A streetcar named desire

Pushing a button

Ambush people into ticking time bomb

boxes

but not the noughts and crosses grind

just another government cost cutting

mastermind

Saving coffers` into 600,000 Coffins`

We have to RANT we have to shout

so 600,000 disabled don’t lose out

NOT SO EASY, PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY C

Carwinion Bring a plant Buy a

plant 21st September

A poem by Susan Creese

Teacher: "Anyone who thinks he's stupid

may stand up!"

*Nobody stands up*

Teacher: "Im sure there are some stupid

students over here!!"

*Little Johnny stands up*

Teacher: "Ohh, Johnny you think you're

stupid?"

Little Johnny: "No... I just feel bad that

you're standing alone..."

Sadly this will be the

last Carwinion open

day for MS.

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.

17

Meet Karen Moore our new carers officer,

Karen has taken over from Neville Reed

and we welcome her to our committee.

Karen attended the carers lunch for the first

time and said:

“I went to my first carers lunch on the 20th

of June, which was at the Falmouth Hotel,

the location was lovely with beautiful views

and we had lunch in a nice room around a

large round table. The food and the

company were excellent and every one

seemed to have a good time.

I have obviously been missing out on these

and will be going to more. As a carer myself

I found it very interesting and helpful to

meet others who where at different stages

in their own lives in caring for loved ones.

People were full of helpful information, but

most importantly it gave everyone that

came a chance to relax and have a chat

with each other.

I am very glad that I went and look forward

to the next one. If you are a carer and can

reach the next venue, then I would suggest

that you come along as it is really good”. From Karen Moore

Carers Officer 01872 274188.

New carers officer

FANTASTIC Raffle we have some fantastic

prizes for our coffee morning here are some

a children’s raffle FREE for all children that

come on the morning prizes include 1hour

session for canoeing, teddies, days out,

guess who, t/shirts, swimming, kids world,

and more, we also have a great tombola

a teddy tombola where you win a fantastic

teddy every time. (we have some beautiful

teddies) and a few will have a hidden day

out on them and if your lucky you may win

one and the teddy. Bric a brac with something for all ages we

have some very nice toys kindly donated

from baby up to all ages, lots of hand bags

like new ,jewellery and all we ask is for a

kind donation

Also some very nice books for all ages (we

have some very nice children’s books like

new for both boys and girls). Face painting, glitter tattoos and nail

painting,

Weather permitting we will be having a

bouncy castle, we also will have a visit from

the Toymaster puppy he will be coming

after 1.30 with some goodie bags for the

children and at 2.30 he will be drawing the

children’s raffle, and many more fun things

for all to do and on top of that we have lots

of cakes, buns, and if your not sure, why

not just come down for a bit of lunch we

will have pies, pasties, veg pasties, pork-

pies, vegetarian quiche cakes together we

will make money for a great Cornish charity

The Merlin MS centre, a centre for people

with MS + all cakes, buns, pies etc very

welcome.

For More information contact Bev Burt

through the Merlin Centre

Message from Bev Burt:

On August 9th 10.30 to 3pm at the Merlin

MS Centre

18

2 Dunlop 32” trolley

suitcases. 110 Litres

Capacity, expandable.

Black, used once. RRP £59.99 bargain at £30.00 the pair.

Contact Malcolm Thorne 01209 717237 Don’t miss this bargain!!

Events Events Events Events

CalendarCalendarCalendarCalendar

Christmas LunchChristmas LunchChristmas LunchChristmas 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 More events to come throughout the year! More events to come throughout the year! More events to come throughout the year! More events to come throughout the year!

we are still waiting for more responses from we are still waiting for more responses from we are still waiting for more responses from we are still waiting for more responses from

our events list so give us a call.our events list so give us a call.our events list so give us a call.our events list so give us a call.

Watch this spaceWatch this spaceWatch this spaceWatch this space

Events taking place at 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.

AugustAugustAugustAugust

Fri 2Fri 2Fri 2Fri 2ndndndnd Johnny Cowling ~Johnny Cowling ~Johnny Cowling ~Johnny Cowling ~ The Cornish

comedian and singer will be at Sticker

Football Club from 7.30pm. Tickets£10

available from the Merlin MS Centre. This

is also the start of the Sticker Vintage

Rally and Country Fair weekend in the

grounds and fields of the football club.

Taking place from 10am on Saturday and

Sunday – loads of fun activities for all the

family with vintage vehicles, kids sports

day, car boot, craft stalls, trade stands,

fun dog show, bingo, inflatable rides,

licensed bar and food

Fri 9Fri 9Fri 9Fri 9th th th th Coffee and Fun DayCoffee and Fun DayCoffee and Fun DayCoffee and Fun Day 10.30am to

3pm at the Merlin MS Centre Bouncy

castle, face and nail painting, stalls,

cakes, pasties, children’s raffle,

Bric-a-Brac and a special visit form the

Toymaster puppy from 1.30pm

Fri 23Fri 23Fri 23Fri 23rdrdrdrd Pop Up Party Malaysian Curry Pop Up Party Malaysian Curry Pop Up Party Malaysian Curry Pop Up Party Malaysian Curry

NightNightNightNight at Merlin MS Centre 7pm for 7.30

start. Tickets £10.00pp available from the

centre September September September September

Sun 15Sun 15Sun 15Sun 15thththth Garden Party and Cream TeaGarden Party and Cream TeaGarden Party and Cream TeaGarden Party and Cream Tea

2.30 till 5pm At Pencarey, Trevilly Lane, St

Teath

Fri 20Fri 20Fri 20Fri 20thththth Pop Up Party Night Tapas EveningPop Up Party Night Tapas EveningPop Up Party Night Tapas EveningPop 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

South Cornwall Branch

events 2013

Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon

TrekTrekTrekTrek---- 10101010thththth----17171717thththth May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek. Are you

ready to experience the breath taking

beauty of the Grand Canyon whilst raising

money for the Merlin Ms Centre?

Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Mike George

Telephone: 01872 862031

email: [email protected]

Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Malcolm Thorne

Telephone: 01209 717237

email: [email protected]

Address Coomar, 3 Chenoweth Close, Camborne

Cornwall TR14 7JR

Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Jackie Thorne

Telephone: 01209 717237

email: [email protected]

Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Christine Sargent

Telephone: 01209 315386

email: [email protected]

M S Support : M S Support : M S Support : M S Support :

Telephone: 01872 274911

Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer:

Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor:

Malcolm Glister

Telephone: 01209 860754

email: [email protected]

Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Mike May

Telephone: 01872 272 957

email: [email protected]

Membership: Membership: Membership: Membership: Betty Alderton

Telephone: 01872 270901

email: [email protected]

Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Moe Fisher

email: [email protected]

Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Nikki Jenkin

Telephone: 01736 787089

email: [email protected]

Events CoEvents CoEvents CoEvents Co----ordinator ordinator ordinator ordinator

Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Vacant

Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:

Llawnroc, Mount Carbis Road,

Redruth, Cornwall,

TR15 2LD

Tel: 01872 274911

www.mssociety.org.uk/southcornwall Satellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite 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: Last Monday of each month: Last Monday of each month: 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: Every Thursday: Every Thursday: 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 monthEvery third Thursday of each monthEvery third Thursday of each monthEvery third Thursday of each month

Carers meeting at Mike George’s Useful contacts:Useful contacts:Useful contacts:Useful contacts:

MS National Centre: 02084 380 700

MS Helpline: 0808 800 8000

Care Direct: 0800 444 000

NHS Direct: 0845 4647

Editors Contact detailsEditors Contact detailsEditors Contact detailsEditors Contact details:

To send in articles or comments.

Malcolm Glister

Whispering Winds, Crellow Hill,

Stithians, Nr Truro,

Cornwall, TR3 7AQ

South Cornwall Branch Information

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