PHOTO ALBUM
Welcome to the website for
Ayrshire & Arran Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Scotland.
Registered Charity SCO 16433.
Congratulations are in order for Branch member Walter Blackley.
Walter, who lives in Kilbirnie, was awarded a Senior Volunteer Award Certificate in recognition of his work with housing for disabled people
over the last 10 years.
The award was presented to Walter at a function held by the Central North Ayrshire Volunteers Office at the Claremont Hotel in Kilwinning on 7th June. The purpose of the event was to acknowledge the work that volunteers undertake for the community and awards were given in several different categories, followed by a buffet supper.
As well as undertaking his work for housing for the disabled, Walter can usually be found working alongside Harry Travers in the MS Branch Office in Kilwinning on Mondays.
Ayr man, Colin Shaw, has just completed a 180 mile cycling challenge from Houston to Austin in Texas for the MS Society.
The event is spread over two days with an overnight camp stop at La Grange with its main aim to raise individual and community awareness of multiple sclerosis.
The BP MS 150 cycle challenge is an annual event with sponsorship from many companies who provide support, refreshments, bike repairs and medical assistance if required at the vital rest points along the way.
The number of entrants is restricted to an astonishing 13,000 participants who come from all over USA and beyond. The event draws cheering crowds who line the streets and towns a la Tour de France encouraging the entrants to keep going to the finish. The local media coverage is huge.
Colin, who lives in Doonfoot, said
“Its about raising the awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and definitely not a race or competition. With high temperatures in Texas and pretty hilly country it is just as well.
As well as raising the profile of multiple sclerosis it is intended to promote fellowship and camaraderie among the thousand of participants and it certainly does this. I heard about it from my friend who lives in Houston and with the fantastic support and sponsorship from my colleagues at Northern Marine Management in Clydebank and my friends and family I decided to give it a go.
I am delighted we raised £1250 for the Ayrshire and Arran Branch of Multiple Sclerosis Society, as I know the monies will
go to supporting local people affected by multiple sclerosis.”
Photos from the Branch New Year Lunch held at the Gailes Hotel on 5th January 2008
Right: Branch members took part in the inaugral Moving and Assisting training course recently. Thanks to a lottery grant there are free places available on future courses planned for:
Tuesday 22 April
Tuesday 6 May
Tuesday 13 May
Tuesday 3 June
Tuesday 17 June
Sessions willcommence at 1.30 pm with a 4.30 finish at Red Cross House, Tarryholme Drive, Irvine.
If you are interested in attending please contact the banch office by phoning 01294 558866.
