Brave volunteers' feat of endurance

4:00pm Friday 25th July 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A MOUNTAINOUS endurance event raised thousands for an appeal for a new Swindon MS therapy centre.

The 10k MS Challenge was staged in Snowdonia, North Wales, and saw three teams of 14 each carry a person with MS through treacherous muddy terrain.

Eight people could carry their passenger at any one time, with poles attached on either side of a wheelchair.

“It was a brilliant effort from everyone involved,” said centre manager Jackie Wray, who took part with husband David.

“It was a lot harder than I had envisaged since the last time I did it two years ago.

“The adrenaline took over in the end.

“Conditions were hard going but it was great to get to the top of Snowdon.”

A team from Nationwide in Swindon and workers from Zurich’s branch in Cheltenham, as well as a team representing the Swindon Therapy Centre, took part in the event earlier this month.

The money raised will go towards the Cheney Manor centre’s £520,000 total for its Moving Soon Appeal.

Currently based at Unit 71A in the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, the centre is too small and inaccessible for its members.

A night walk in Avebury last month and this latest event have raised £10,000 in total.

But a further £180,000 is needed before the relocation plan can become a reality.

The challenge saw former Swindon mayor Michael Barnes and Swindon Advertiser reporter Ben Perrin complete the task.

Sally Lawrence, 31, was one of those carried during the challenge.

The mum-of-one from Freshbrook, who was diagnosed with MS five years ago, was overwhelmed by the experience.

“It was brilliant and I was nearly in tears when we reached the top,” she said.

“I haven’t seen views like that for years – it was a unique experience.

“The people who carried me were fantastic.

“It’s hard to describe to someone what MS feels like but those who took part might understand.

“Those who stood in the mud up to their waist with their legs becoming tired and weak and feeling painful can begin to get an rough idea.”

The centre can be reached on 01793 481700 or by logging onto www.msswindon.org.uk Also donate generously by visiting www.justgiving.com/stcms