Sally Laws experience of MS and Sue Ryder Care

Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Sally Laws and I live with Multiple Sclerosis, a progressive disease of the central nervous system.

At the age of 41 I developed a persistent limp in my right leg. At the time I was teaching at a local independent girls school, but advancing disability did not seem to cause me too much trouble and I was able to carry on with my career. As my condition progressed and it became more difficult to walk, I consulted the doctor and local hospital. Eventually I was diagnosed with primary progressive MS and gradually I have realised that my disability was more extensive than I had been prepared for. I was forced to use a wheelchair for most of the day as standing was too painful. The school did everything they could to make it possible for me to carry on teaching. I was given a classroom assistant which helped me to cope with marking and report writing and the pupils I taught were very considerate and supportive.  I also made other changes in my lifestyle, such as adjustments to my ‘Motability’ car so I could carry on driving for as long as I possibly could. As a result of this support, I was able to stay in my teaching post as Head of Religious Studies until the Spring term of 2005 when my condition declined to the extent that I had to take early retirement on health grounds.

That was a big change in my life, from a busy life as a teacher, to establishing a new lifestyle based in my own home. Although at first I was able to get about in my mobility scooter, my condition continued to deteriorate and I found it increasingly difficult to go out and do everyday activities or see my friends.  I became more and more confined to my home and ended up spending most of the time stuck at home on my own. Throughout this time of readjustment, I was supported by the neurological department at Ipswich Hospital, particularly Dr. Cathy Powell, who suggested that the 5 R’s scheme at Sue Ryder Care – The Chantry would help me to bridge the gap.

The 5 R's is a day care service specifically designed by staff at Sue Ryder Care - The Chantry to promote independence, choice and confidence building for people living with multiple sclerosis living in the Ipswich area.  It is a ten-week planned programme of therapeutic activities, such as yoga and music therapy, and classes, such art and computers. Specialists such as an MS nurse are also available to give helpful advice and answer any questions.
I very quickly found that the facilities and caring offered by the 5 R’s suited me very well. I was able to meet and talk with people who had MS, which I had not experienced before. I was able I soon made firm and lasting friendships and enjoyed the various therapies and support offered by the 5 R’s. I was able to find the parts of the scheme that worked for me, thanks to the support of the excellent staff from Sue Ryder Care – The Chantry.

The lasting friendships I have made through the 5 R’s have also led to me being involved in establishing a local group of the Disabled Christians Fellowship, a support group for disabled people in the area. This is something which my husband has been able to join in with as well and so the 5 R’s has given me new experiences which have helped me to feel that I am living a worthwhile and fulfilling life. I have now completed 3 courses of the 5 R’s scheme, which has helped me greatly.  I have been able to stay living at home with my husband and have not needed have any extra care.  The scheme has helped me to build up my confidence, make new friends and even provide support to other disabled people. When I had to give up my job, it could have been the end of the world for me. I’m sure it feels like that for many people, because they tell me that the scheme where I live is the only one of its kind in the country, though Sue Ryder Care is keen to have it adopted in other areas.

I feel that schemes like the 5R’s that are built around the specific needs of individuals and communities are vital in a world where more people are living with long term illness. I understand that starting them up and making them work over time can be complicated, due to different organizations being responsible for different pots of money, but it is so important that everyone concerned remembers that at the centre of this is a person who just wants to live a normal life for as long as possible. With the support of Sue Ryder Care – The Chantry and the 5 R’s scheme, I have been able to live a more independent life.
I think this scheme should be available to everyone in the UK living with MS and I call on the government to support Sue Ryder Care so that they can continue to provide innovative schemes like the 5 R’s.

Thank you for listening.