Ann Davis: The MS Society

Ann Davis of the local branch of The MS Society joined us online today. She has been working with them as a volunteer since her retirement and is now their main Coordinator for Essex. The local branch also has volunteer coordinators for things like Fund Raising, Finance and Activities.

Multiples Sclerosis (“MS”) is a (currently) incurable condition that affects the nervous system. The results vary from person to person and may include, for example, difficulty in controlling leg muscles. Some people may have bouts of MS that come and go. The effects of the condition can worsen over time.

The local branch of the MS Society supports local sufferers in a variety of ways, including counselling, activities and social events. In normal circumstances exercise classes are held in Chelmsford and Colchester. Fortunately when the lockdown started it was able to move these smoothly online without a break.

Not everyone is able to access the online classes, so face-to-face classes will be restarted. However, online exercise classes will be kept for those who prefer them or find them easier to access.

Even before the lockdown the local MS Society had concluded that street collections are no longer worthwhile, in large part because few people are using cash. (This trend will probably accelerate since most retail outlets are encouraging customers to use contactless payment during the lockdown.) The lockdown has made many of the Society’s other fund-raising activities impossible. Among other things, they would normally take part in the Maldon Mud Race but that was cancelled this year.