Our News Releases

MS Awareness week

20 April 2008

This week is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Eleanor Clayson, 28, from York tells us why she is taking part in the Midnight Walk in Bridlington to raise funds for Sue Ryder Care - Holme Hall where her mum, who lives with MS, is cared for.

“When I saw the leaflet, I immediately thought that it was an excellent way to say thank you to the staff at the neurological care centre for all the amazing work they do every day to look after my mum.”

Eleanor’s mum, Gloria, was first diagnosed in 2002. She has been living at Sue Ryder Care - Home Hall for almost four years, since it became clear that it was no longer possible to take care of her in her own home.

“It was very difficult for all of us. We weren’t sure about what was happening exactly and what made mum ill. In time her condition deteriorated, she lost the use of her legs and couldn’t communicate easily. We got to a point where it was hard to care for her at home. At Sue Ryder Care she feels safe, staff are there for her 24 hours a day, 365 days a year”, Eleanor explains.

Eleanor’s mum has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and results in damage to myelin, a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres, which helps the neurons carry electrical signals. When the myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. MS can take several forms, it can be characterised by a progressive pattern or periods of relapse and remission. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.

“It was devastating when mum fell ill, but as a reaction we became stronger and closer as a family. I really miss the normal things we used to do as a family such as going out for dinner or watching a movie. I am glad that she feels comfortable living at Sue Ryder Care - Holme Hall. The staff really try to help residents make their lives pleasant and make sure that people who are not going to get better can still enjoy the best quality of life for as long as they live”, Eleanor added.

 

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