Good Luck Trekkers

Six intrepid challengers will be jetting off to one of the natural wonders of the world in May to trek along the Grand Canyon, including our own fundraiser Sarah Snell. We wish them all a safe and amazing journey and thank them for together raising over £10,000 for the centre.

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Welcome

I hope by the time you all read this newsletter the weather has improved and the continuous rain will have finally left us.

As you are all aware 2013 was a very challenging year for the charity and despite the growing numbers using the centre, generating income continued to be a challenge.

We would like to thank all of you who sent in donations after reading our Chairman’s letter and to the Cornish Guardian readers who donated over £20,000 to date as a result of the MS Made Simple Appeal.

These donations and the success of our fundraising last year and the many groups who chose us as their charity of the year resulted in the charity meeting its costs for 2013.

We now have to look at projects which will help us to sustain regular sources of income as well as continuing to keep an eye on our expenditure. Working groups have now been appointed to look at projects which will achieve this

We will soon be installing solar panels which will cut down our energy costs and we thank those who have lent us or donated the money to do this.

We continue to look for grants and corporate sponsors to help us to provide income for the much needed therapy and support for the people of Cornwall living with MS. Thank you to all who support us through individual fundraising or attending events.

I would also like to thank my staff and all volunteers who give up so much to keep this charity going. We see on a daily basis what a difference Merlin makes to so many lives. We are very proud of what has been achieved and continue to feel confident that as we approach our fifth birthday with your help our success will grow.

Loraine Long, Centre Manager

Volunteers Needed

Please call the centre on 01726 885530 We currently need drivers and escorts for our minibus service.

Garden lovers – can you spare a few hours a week for

strimming borders and weeding flower beds.

Collectors needed – can you spare a few hours on an ad hoc basis to help do store collections or to help us out at our events . Thank you

Your place for news and information

New Additions Congratulations to Ellie May and partner Will who have just announced the birth of baby Jowen, who was born on 16th February 2014 weighing 9lb 1/4 ounce. We wait for news for the birth of a new addition for Jasmine and Steve York. Ellie and Jasmine are currently on maternity leave from the Fundraising Department.

We welcome Nicola Hawkins who has joined as a Trusts and Grants Fundraiser. Nicola comes with more than 20 years’ experience, including in a senior position at

the MS Society in London. Ruth Beadle joins us as a Community Fundraiser after volunteering at the centre. Ruth has had lots of experience in running her own equestrian events.

Other new faces at the centre are Shelley King, Respite Manager and Lisa Miners, Respite Assistant, who are supported by volunteer therapist Sandy Hatcher in this new service.

Inside this issue• Rebecca’s flying thanks to Oxygen Therapy• Daily Respite - A dose of laughter and therapy.• Fundraising events• Busy in physio

MS-

MADE SIMPLE APPEA

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Nicola Hawkins

Shelley King

Ruth Beadle

Merlin Messenger Daily Respite Service “Laughter, chat, therapies, and importantly, getting out of the house” – these are what clients attending our new Daily Respite Service look forward to.

Launched in October last year and financed through grant funding for salary and start-up costs, the service is run by Respite Care Manager Shelly King; Respite Care Assistant Lisa Miners; and supported by Therapist, Sandy Hatcher.

Clients have time to participate in indoor activities playing games, quizzes, bingo, painting, baking and, once the weather improves there will be trips out and gardening making use of our greenhouse and raised flower beds. They have lunch together and a rest period if required.

Specialised daily respite facilities in Cornwall for people with MS are almost non-existent and there is also a shortage for those who have other neurological conditions. Respite care is also of great benefit to carers as it enables them to take a proper break safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being properly looked after.

Len, 54, who was diagnosed with MS in 1999, but had it for many years before his diagnosis, was recommended to the service by his social worker. He was struggling to get out and about as he lives in a remote part of Cornwall with no vehicle, but now he is transported by our free mini-bus service from his home, near Helston, and spends most of the day at the centre.

Len lives up to his past profession as an Entertainments Manager, keeping everyone entertained with tales of his life in the clubs, pubs and theatres of Yorkshire. The service is a great help to his partner Tina as it gives her a much-needed break from her caring duties.

For 82-year old Dick, who has Parkinson’s, it was his wife who heard about Merlin when it was broadcast on BBC Radio Cornwall – he is now a regular visitor to the centre and is enjoying the benefits of oxygen therapy and massage to help improve his symptoms as well as the companionship of other service users.

“I have been coming five weeks now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a bit of a break for my wife Jenny too as she is my carer,” he explains.

Currently the service is run on a Monday with six regular male clients, which seems to work well. The intention is to

offer the service as a ladies day on Fridays, which means that activities can be more specifically geared to each client group. Ultimately, the aim is to provide the service on a daily basis Monday to Friday.

As well as access to the existing services offered at the centre including physiotherapy, oxygen therapy, counselling and advice, Sandy can provide a range of complementary therapies through The Nurturing Clinic including a range of Massage Therapies, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Reiki; Stress and Anxiety Management.

Anyone interested in the service or would like more information can contact Shelley King on shelley@merlinmscentre.org.uk or call 01726 885530.

“I have been coming five weeks now and have thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Hyperbaric Oxygen Department Now Seeing 80 Clients A Week In the past three months, an average 80 clients a week have been coming for Oxygen Therapy (including those who have oxygen only).

Due to the increase in numbers, from February we have introduced a different system for new clients – Assessments and Try Dives will be held on Mondays only and there will be a charge (£5 for MS Clients / £10 non-MS clients) to cover the cost of both.

Following a full health assessment, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes , anyone wishing to start HBO - hyperbaric oxygen therapy - (the medical use of oxygen breathed in a pressurised chamber) is offered a ‘Try Dive’ – this is a 30 minute session and the chamber is pressurised to only 8ft.

Thereafter, people are recommended to have 15 consecutive sessions - enabling the body to become saturated with oxygen. During this period the depth is increased up to a maximum of 33ft, or at whichever depth where they feel the most benefit for their specific condition. Once people have had their initial course, they come for weekly “top ups” at the depth which is most suited to them.

Sue Walkey, Manager of the HBO Department, said: “We are still seeing many neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Stroke, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME as well as MS, but people come to us with a range of health problems, including sports injuries, fractures, ulcerated legs, and also aftercare for people who have had Cancer treatment which can help to speed up their recovery.”

Events Diary...

MARCHFri 14th 7.00pm Medical Maelstrom at Truro Crown Court

Weds 19th 7.30pm Johnny Cowling, Falmouth’s Princess Pavillion

Sat 29th Stephen Gilbert MP Skydive, Perranporth Airfield

APRILFri 4th 7.30pmJohnny Cowling Comedy Night, Seahorse Centre, Pentewan, Nr St. Austell

Sat 12th 10am - 2.00pmCoffee, Cake and Chat Merlin MS Centre

Mon 21st Pat’s 70th birthday Skydive for Merlin, Perranporth Airfield

MAYSat 10th - 17thGrand Canyon Trek

Sat 17th 7.30pm Voices for Merlin – 4 Male Voice Choirs, St. John’s Methodist Church, St. Austell

JUNE5th, 6th, 7th Royal Cornwall Show,Wadebridge

Sun 8thVintage Tea Party, nr Portreath

Sat 14thCharity Golf Day at Merlin Golf Club, St. Eval

Sun 15thMerlin’s Coast to Coast Audax 100km Cycle Ride, Start and finish at the Centre

Sat 21stTandem Skydive Guinness World Record Attempt, Honiton Devon

JULYTues 8th 7.30pm Sandy’s Head Shave, Merlin MS Centre

AUGUST15th - 17th WESSES Rally and Country Fair (Merlin is the Charity), Stithians Showground

Dates subject to change

Rebecca’s Story

I was a high flyer, achiever, go getter! As a career orientated health professional, at the pinnacle of my career, I had received many awards, including the ‘Queens Nurse Award’ for improving patient care. My aspiration was to work and influence policy at a higher level, at the Department of Health, in London, however…

I was diagnosed with ME/CFS after struggling with long term chronic fatigue for three years whilst attempting to work full-time. I gave up my exciting, vibrant career of 20 years. It was a devastating blow. My professional goals paled into the distance as I and my partner Sandy began to come to terms with the debilitating symptoms of CFS/ME. Our life was on hold.

Even though I followed professional guidance on the management of my condition, I continued to deteriorate. At one stage I was unable to dress, to tolerate noise and I became house-bound; Due to muscular/joint aches and pains, I increased the painkillers to four times a day. We tried everything and anything to get back to normality, even liquidised cabbage leaves!

Multiple Sclerosis has touched both our lives; we have therefore supported the Merlin MS centre since its inception. Through conversation Sandy established that Oxygen Therapy can alleviate ME/CFS symptoms, so I gave it a go. I experienced a significant improvement – my sleeping pattern improved dramatically after the fourth session. I reduced the painkillers and had none after the eighth session. My energy levels were sustained for a greater period of time and I no longer felt irritable. Incredibly, I was able to do some gardening without symptoms.

And what an experience the Merlin MS Centre has been for both of us. The people, mostly volunteers, have all been incredible, so sensitive, caring, warm; so kind; with such compassion. Merlin envelops you and for that moment removes the harsh realities of illness.

Health and well-being in the gym Sessions in the Physiotherapy Department, which is available Monday to Thursday to 5pm and on Friday to 1pm, continue to be busy with a full time-table of individual and group sessions.

On Monday Kath with the assistance of OT Ange, who is volunteering under her supervision, works alongside Mel to provide a combined physio and occupational therapy service.

On Tuesdays there are two group sessions run by The Core – 10am Balance and Stability; 11.30am Seated Exercise Group. Funding from Sport England has now come to an end so we are asking for a donation of £3 from participants.

Thursdays in the gym sees physio assistants Charlotte and Sophie helping Mel to run her group therapy sessions.

The aim in the next few months is to introduce some relaxation group sessions.

The department has recently invested in some new cognitive assessment software

for clients who may benefit from this assessment.

A new service to provide a Try at Home equipment loan service will be introduced later in the year once new equipment has been purchased.

Friends of Merlin Were you involved with Merlin from its early days and inception as a charity? Are you a regular donor and want to know more?

The Trustees and staff would like to meet with you and give you an opportunity to keep in more regular contact. We will be holding a series of informal meetings for you to find out how the centre is going and to share ideas – the first one at the Merlin MS Centre on Sunday March 23 from 2-4 pm. Others will be held in all parts of Cornwall.

Craft fairs at the centre Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month there will be craft fairs held at the centre from 10am to 3pm. If you would like a stall please contact Ian or Joy Thorne on 01872 520618. Come along to find beautifully crafted wood, jewellery, ceramics textiles, cards and lots more.

FUNDRAISING NEWS & EVENTS PAGE

Ways to support

Donations come in many forms; here are some ways you could help us, help others

Donating a gift of time;could you help out at one of our fundraising events or at the centre?

Unwanted gift amnesty; received a birthday present you don’t want? We can probably use it for a raffle or tombola prize

Bags 2 The Future scheme; bring in your old clothes, soft toys, or soft furnishings and help us turn it into cash!

Text appeal; Text BAD37 £1.00 to 70070 and help us prove that every £1.00 counts

Recycling Cartridges, stamps and old mobile phones, we collect these and turn them into cash

Easy Fundraising- Do you shop online? Register your details on Easy Fundraising then use the site to go to your favourite websites to make your purchases. It is completely free.

How your money helps

We need to raise over £300,000 a year to keep the centre running and to support those who use it. Here are some of the ways your donations can help...

£10.00 will pay for a yoga session£15.00 will pay for an oxygen therapy session£25.00 will pay for a podiatry session£20.00 will pay for a counselling session£20.00 will pay for a day’s running cost of our minibus£40.00 will pay for a physiotherapy session£40.00 will pay for an occupational therapy session

Could you become a friend of the centre? By joining the scheme and donating a regular, or one off amount, you will be helping to secure the work of the centre now and in the future

Round up of events...

Christmas Fair

£1,639

Bev and Martin Fun Day

£2,400

Merlin Fine Art Auction

£13,114

Edna’s Festive Knits

£3,101

Miles for Merlin

£5,650

A Time to Thank£1,043

Sticker Rally

£3,346

Laughter and Comedy – the best medicine for Merlin A trio of Cornish GPs, called Medical Maelstrom, will be swapping their stethoscopes for microphones to deliver their unique genre of music, singing and comedy in the unlikely setting of Truro Crown Court on Friday March 14, from 7.30pm.

The evening is being hosted by His Hon Judge Christopher Harvey Clark, QC, who has kindly opened the doors of the wonderful atrium of Cornwall’s only Crown Court. Tickets for the event are £20 per person which includes wine and a selection of delicious canapés.

There will also be a luxury raffle on the night. Call 01726 885530.

Laughter and music will also be delivered in his own immutable style by Cornish comedian Johnny Cowling at two venues in Cornwall – Wednesday March 19 at the Princess Pavilion, Falmouth and on Friday April 4 at the Seahorse Centre, Pentewan, nr St. Austell. The comedy nights are being organised by two of our Grand Canyon Trekkers.