A trek through glorious mud (From Swindon Advertiser)

A trek through glorious mud

12:00pm Friday 10th July 2009 in

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THE epic Multiple Sclerosis Challenge saw fundraisers generate £5,000 for the Swindon MS Therapy Centre.

Teams, who dressed up as smurfs, pirates and an “all in the pink” team, completed the gruelling 10km course in Snowdonia, North Wales, last weekend.

It saw groups of about 14 people 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 incredibly hard and took four and a half hours,” said MS centre manager Jackie Wray.

“I was one of the MS passengers in the wheelchair this time and was carried by an amazing team safely through the forests.

“They had to manoeuvre around endless trees and tree roots, through thick mud, often at least knee high, through boggy ditches some chest high and across rivers waist deep.

“It was amazing and our three teams completed the challenge all in fancy dress.

“There was a fantastic group of people and it was a brilliant weekend, despite the rain and mud.”

The money will go towards equipping the new centre.

This follows its move from the current base at Unit 71A in the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate to the former Farepak offices at Evolution House, in Westmead Drive, West Swindon, by the autumn.

“There was great rivalry between the teams,” added Jackie. “Particularly between the smurfs and the pirates.

“Each was trying to get their own passenger back and at the deep mud crossing in the forest, as the smurfs were closing in on us, our team waited to help them across.

“And how did they repay us? They overtook us and made sure they finished in front of the pirates – that’s gratitude for you.

“The pink team were nowhere to be seen, they were way up front – mainly because they had some very fit young rugby players. We were only jealous.”

A £104,000 cylindrical seven-tonne oxygen chamber capable of seating 12 people is currently on order for the centre.

MS affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing problems with muscle control, vision and balance.

Although there is no cure, oxygen therapy can help those who suffer with the condition. By breathing pure oxygen under increased air pressure, people can find relief from their symptoms and contain their condition.

It was the 20th year of the MS Challenge. It was the last time it was held at Snowdon, but it is hoped the Brecon Beacons could be used next year.

Anyone mad enough to want to get involved and get incredibly muddy and wet, should contact the MS Centre on 01793 481700.

More information on the centre is also available by visiting www.ms swindon.org.uk.

It’s not too late to show your support by making a donation direct to Swindon MS Therapy Centre by cheque or online through www.justgiving. com/stcms.