The MS Society

 

Women Smiling with MS Society and Garden Furniture House

In the UK, more than 100,000 people suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS). Most often, the symptoms appear in the 20s and 30s and women are affected more than men. In addition to being painful and exhausting, it can also affect how we walk, move, see, think and feel.

The MS Society represents 32,000 members and 269 volunteer-run groups across the country. People with MS, scientists, campaigners, volunteers and fundraisers make up the society, which promotes research into new and improved treatments for MS.

With the goal of enabling everyone with MS to reach their full potential, and access the care and support they need, the organisation's vision is a world free from the effects of MS.

The MS Society provides valuable information about its work at: https://www.mssociety.org.uk

The MS Society and Oak Furniture House
In June 2018, businessman Anuuj Kohli made a lifelong pledge to match donations to the MS Society made via his company Garden Furniture House.

A cause which is important to him - after having been diagnosed with MS in May 2017 - Mr Kohli started the partnership by launching a social media campaign to encourage customers to donate alongside a purchase.

Mr Kohli said: “It took more than a few months to come to terms with my MS. And, If I’m honest, I’m not sure you ever fully come to terms with it. Since being diagnosed I have read a lot about MS, how it effects the person, family and all your loved ones – also what support is available. As I was doing my research I came across the MS Society and read a lot about the good work they do. As I run my own business I wanted to give something back to the MS Society and do something positive which will help the charity to reach out to more and more people with MS and also their loved ones.”

MS support and empowerment
MS Society offers frontline services that empower and support people affected by MS, preserving their independence, quality of life, and reducing social exclusion. This includes:

  • Through a bespoke Grants programme, over 1000 grants have been awarded to support people with MS and their carers to acquire essential equipment and living aids, such as wheelchairs and scooters.
  • Information and support for people living with MS, including publications on symptoms, treatments, practical aspects, as well as information for carers, young people, and MS professionals.
  • There are 270 volunteer-led local support groups across the country that provide emotional and peer support through a freephone helpline. More than 18,000 enquiries were handled by the helpline in 2017.
  • Campaigning and influencing local and national policy (the campaigns community has over 25,000 members) and seeks to ensure the needs of people with MS are recognised and represented.

The development of effective treatments
MS Society invests in the development of better treatments and care for people with multiple sclerosis everywhere, making it the largest charity funder of MS research in Europe. It has invested over £155 million in MS research (in today's money) since the MS Society was founded in 1956, which has led to multiple discoveries.

The society is committed to ensuring that people with MS have access to effective treatments that can slow, stop, or reverse the accumulation of disability, and are committed to leading the way on that front.

As part of the Stop MS Appeal, the society significantly increased its investment in medical research to develop life-changing treatments. Scientists agree that we are at a critical time in MS research and that with a dramatic increase in investment over the next 10 years, we will be able to revolutionize treatment for everyone with MS. There has never been a more crucial time for MS research.

Fundraising is essential every year, and every donation makes a difference. If you wish to support MS Society, please do so by selecting a donation in the Checkout area of our website. Oak Furniture House is going to match each of your donations, because we believe that together we are strong enough to stop MS!