Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (MS Society) is a British medical research charity dedicated to curing the neurological condition multiple sclerosis. The MS Society are also committed to bringing high quality health and social care within reach of everyone affected by MS.

Founded in 1953 by Richard Cave, whose wife had MS, the MS Society is the UK's largest charity for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is a membership organisation, with 43000 members (Jan 2006), but provides services to all.

The Society has a network of branches (350 in Sept 2005) & regions (19) across the UK, 4 national offices; Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London. The Society National Centre is in Cricklewood, London.

MS Society activities include:

  • funding MS research into cure, cause and quality of life
  • providing 4 respite care centres
  • providing grants (financial assistance) to individuals
  • education and training on MS to those affected directly and to health professionals
  • producing numerous publications on MS: Publications downloads
  • running a freephone specialist Helpline (0808 800 8000)
  • providing local support groups through a branch and region network
  • running charity dances and balls

The MS Society receives most of its income from personal donations. It also raises money through sponsored events. Creator of the extremely popular Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling, whose mother died of MS in 1990, has contributed money and support for research and treatment of the disease.

The charity has a Research Strategy Committee co-chaired by Iain Chalmers. The MS Society recognises the need for systematic reviews of existing pre-clinical research as well as clinical research, about which the charity SABRE Research UK raises awareness.

External links

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