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This is the April 2013 edition of "The Lifeboat" the magazine for the South Cornwall Branch of The MS Society of Great Britain. Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registered charity nos. 1139257/SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales (07451571).
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The Lifeboat
April 2013
South Cornwall
Branch
Monthly Magazine
Sydne`e Teversham
1
Inside the Lifeboat
this month
MS News
Page 3 Tysabri to become potential ‘first
line’ therapy for MS
Government to blame for Work
Capability Assessment flaws
Page 4 New MS drugs referred to NICE for
NHS use
£75k social care payment limit to
be introduced in England
Page 5 High profile supporters
Page 6 First results from key NMSS-funded
CCSVI studies.
Salt intake may play a role in MS,
new research suggests
Page 7 Calling all carers
Request from Elayne
Page 8 This conundrum
Page 9 Quiz page
Page 10 Quiz page
80
Page 11 Sydne`e
Page 12 Malcolm & Jackie
Page 13 Gulval School
Page14 Read-A-Thon news
Elsa raises funds
Page 15 Megan’s page
Page 16 Youth group
Page 17 Scrap heap challenge
Page 18 South Cornwall Events
Page 19 Information page
This months cover picture is
of Sydne`e Teversham.
Sydne`e agreed to be
featured on the front cover of
our magazine and I am glad
that she did, read more on
page 11 Any more takers for our front
cover picture?
IMPORTANT NOTICE
South Cornwall Vouchers
Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks
so as from 1st March 2013 please make all
voucher requests to Chris Sargent
01209 315386
2
Chairman’s Report
Editors Note
Hi, everyone
It is sad to read that the Merlin is having
money problems, as a Branch we support
them as much as we can , but if anyone
can give them further help I am sure they
would definitely appreciate it . We are funding the Fast track CAB initiative
for another year so PLEASE use it as so
many changes are happening to benefits
and I am sure Trish can help you. Please
ring me and we can get you on the right
track.
It amazes me every month how Jasper is
getting funnier by the day, he certainly
makes me laugh and I am sure you do too.
Malcolm is too gentle on him because he
will want a whole magazine soon as he
already often has a whole page.
Soon we are hoping to have a day where
you can come and here our support officers
ideas on being 'Newly diagnosed' I will give
a talk to anyone interested in having their
own Personalised Budget and how it can
change your life for the better. Also there
will be an opportunity to work with other
branches in Cornwall to raise branch profile
and overcome the publics confusion
between us and other MS service
providers.
Mike
Hello everyone,
I hope you had a good Easter avoiding too
many Eater eggs. I have had some really
good responses from you this month with
articles sent in and my first front cover from
you our members, but who will be next on
the front cover and featured inside our
magazine? Keep sending me your pictures,
and remember they need to be good
quality or let me know and I will come and
take them.
Thank you for your positive returns about
the Hub project, keep them coming in, and
of course your responses to our events
programme.
As you will see in this months magazine the
schools projects are really moving forward
and the schools awareness and Read-A-
Thon has been a great success. The last
two schools in this round are about to finish
and I can then publish the results.
I am working on revisiting the branch
awareness programme and to this end I will
be holding a meeting of all
branch committees to
discuss how we can help
each other to give the best
possible service to our
members.
The invitation for branches
to attend will be sent out
shortly and the meeting will
be held in late April. Enough of business, what about your
Easter adventures, do you have any stories
for me about your Easter activities, I know
that Jasper will come up with a few and he
also wants to be on the front cover. Thank you all for your support and don’t
forget we are here for you so get in touch if
there is anything you need or you have any
concerns and we will try to answer your
queries.
Have a great Easter break! Malcolm
3
News from the MS National Centre
Tysabri to become potential ‘first line’
therapy for MS
Government to blame for Work Capability
Assessment flaws
The manufacturers of Tysabri have applied
to the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in the USA for the
approval of Tysabri as a first-line treatment
for people with relapsing remitting MS, who
have tested negative for antibodies to the
JC virus.
Tysabri has been approved by the
National Institute for Clinical Excellence for
people with "highly active, rapidly evolving
multiple sclerosis" who have not
responded positively to current first line
therapies (Avonex, Rebif, Betaferon,
Extavia or Copaxone).
The use of Tysabri has been restricted to
these types of MS due to its license and its
association with a potentially
fatal infection called progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is
caused by the JC virus.
Virus test
There’s now a test for the virus, which
identifies if people are at risk of developing
PML. If they’re not at risk, and if Tysabri as
a first line treatment is approved by the
EMA, then people will be able to consider
taking Tysabri earlier than is currently
allowed – regardless of whether they’ve
failed on current first line therapies.
Clinical trials have shown that Tysabri can
reduce the number of relapses by 67 per
cent.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has
released a report today which states the
Department for Work and Pensions are to
blame for problems with the Work
Capability Assessment for the out-of-work
disability benefit Employment Support
Allowance (ESA).
Chair of the PAC, Margaret Hodge MP,
said:
“The Department for Work and Pensions is
getting far too many decisions wrong on
claimants’ ability to work… Nearly 40 per
cent of appeals [against decisions] are
successful, with a third of those successful
appeals involving no new evidence."
"The Work Capability Assessment process
hits the most vulnerable claimants
hardest… There needs to be a substantial
shake-up in how the Department manages
this contract [with ATOS] and in its
processes for improving the quality of
decision making.”
The report used evidence from Citizens
Advice, Disability UK and the DWP.
Flawed assessment
The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is
designed to support a ‘fair and objective
decision’ by the DWP about whether a
claimant is fit for work, but in far too many
cases the wrong decision is made and
people are incorrectly told they are fit for
work.
The MS Society has long argued that the
WCA is flawed and we have campaigned
hard to influence positive changes for
people with MS.
"Wrong decisions being made"
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS
Society, said:
“We welcome the Public Accounts
Committee report and agree that the “one
size fits all” approach is poor at assessing
people with complex and fluctuating
conditions, such as MS.
4
New MS drugs referred to NICE for
NHS use
The current assessment process makes it
extremely difficult for people to
demonstrate how their condition affects
their ability to work and often leads to the
wrong decisions being made.
“Reassessments also occur too often, with
seemingly no logical pattern or regularity.
This causes further needless stress - which
can make MS worse - and also contributes
to unnecessary costs for the state. We
strongly believe the Government should
enforce contractual penalties on ATOS,
where they have failed to perform, and take
serious measures to make WCA fit for
purpose.”
The Government has referred four potential
MS drugs to NICE to consider whether they
should be made available on the NHS for
people in England and Wales.
Alemtuzumab, dimethyl fumarate
(sometimes known as BG-
12), laquinimod and teriflunomide are all
drugs that have shown positive results in
clinical trials for the treatment of relapsing
remitting MS.
The appraisal process
Although the drugs are not yet licensed for
MS, NICE is going to carry out four sepa-
rate single technology appraisals. These will
consider how much each drug will benefit
patients in relation to their cost. Appraisals
normally take about nine months to com-
plete.
This means if the drugs are licensed by the
European Medicines Agency, NICE will be
able to issue guidance quickly (they cannot
issue guidance before a treatment is li-
censed for a condition and/or symptom).
If NICE decides the drugs provide value for
money, and they are approved, hospitals
and PCTs will be legally obliged to provide
them on the NHS in England and Wales, to
all those considered eligible.
In Scotland, it is the Scottish Medicines
Consortium who decide whether a newly
licensed MS medicine should be provided
on NHS Scotland. In Northern Ireland, the
applicability of all NICE guidance is subject
to a review carried out by the Department
of Health Social Services and Public Safety.
Your input
The MS Society will respond to the
consultations and your individual
experience will help us explain the benefits
and disadvantages of the treatments.
If you have been involved in the trials for
these four treatments and would like to
share your experience, please contact Asha
Kaur on [email protected].
£75k social care payment limit to be
introduced in England
The Government has unveiled plans to cap
in England the cost people over retirement
age have to pay for social care at £75,000.
People of working age who develop care
needs before they reach retirement age will
benefit from a lower cap, but it is not yet
clear what this will be.
This announcement confirms reports made
at the start of January that social care
would be capped. If these plans are
approved, the earliest they’ll be introduced
is 2019.
Social and residential care changes
People with MS might need to use social
care services to complete everyday tasks
like getting washed and dressed, and
preparing meals. There is a lot of variation
in the amount people have to pay, but it is
usually expensive.
Some people are forced to sell their homes
or spend their life savings to meet the high
costs. It is hoped that by ‘capping’ social
care at £75,000 people are more able to
plan for their future.
Also announced was an increase in the
‘asset threshold’.
5
Currently anyone with assets (like home
owners) worth more than £23,250 has to
pay for the full cost of care if they move into
a residential home. This limit will be
increased to £123,000.
Too long to wait
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS
Society and Chair of the Care and Support
Alliance, said:
“This announcement will provide much
needed protection for those who face
losing everything in the lottery of care costs.
Whilst our members campaigned for a
lower level of cap, the £75,000 lifetime limit
on care costs will help those with the
highest level of care needs over the longest
period of time.
"But many families struggling with care
costs will be dismayed by the four year wait
from announcement to implementation.
“It is crucial that the Government does not
treat this as the end of the story on social
care funding. It still needs to urgently
address the issue of growing numbers of
older and disabled people who receive no
help, despite clear need. Therein lies the
real moral scandal of the social care
system.
"Today’s announcement will mean that
no-one will lose everything to care costs.
We are now looking for the Government to
ensure that no-one will be left to struggle
alone with their care needs.”
High profile supporters
The MS Society works with celebrities and
other high profile supporters in the fight to
beat MS. They help fundraise, campaign
and speak up about MS in the media. Oritsé Williams
Oritsé Williams, from
chart-topping group JLS,
uses his fame to help raise
awareness of young people
who care for a family
member with MS.
Oritsé’s mother Sonia was diagnosed with
MS in 2001 when he was just 13. He has
helped care for her ever since. He also
makes time to meet other people affected
by MS and share experiences.
Oritsé was named “MS Inspiration” at the
MS Society Awards in 2010.
The Hairy Bikers
As a child, Dave Myers,
one half of TV chefs
‘The Hairy Bikers’, helped care for his
mother Margaret, who
had MS. The MS
Society branch in
Furness helped
support Dave’s family
when he was growing up.
In 2009, Dave went back to the branch to
open the newly refurbished ‘Richard Cave
Centre’.
Lorraine Kelly
TV presenter and
journalist Lorraine, who
has a close family
member affected by MS,
backed our MS Week
campaigns in 2009 and
2010. Lorraine also
endorsed the ‘Moving Mountains’ calendar,
which helped members of the MS Society’s
Lake District branch raise vital funds in
2010.
Tony Johnstone
European Senior Tour
golfer Tony was
diagnosed with MS
in 2004.
Tony helps raise
awareness of MS in the media. In 2009,
and he gathered some of UK golf’s biggest
names to raise funds for ‘The Tony
Johnstone MS Society Pro-Am’ in 2009,
raising over £100,000 for the MS Society
IMPORTANT NOTICE
South Cornwall Vouchers
Please make all voucher requests to Chris
Sargent 01209 315386 6
Sally Gunnell
Former Olympic champion
Sally Gunnell OBE helped the
MS Society develop an
exercise video for people
affected by MS.
She is also the face of the MS Society’s
running events for fundraisers in 2011. Scott Mills
Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills
is ran the Eden Project
Half Marathon on
Sunday 9 October
2012 for the MS
Society. Scott’s mum was diagnosed with
MS four years ago.
His colleague and friend Jemma James is
also joined him.
New research published yesterday in the
journal Nature has suggested that salt
intake may be related to MS.
The early stage studies looked at the
impact that salt has on the immune
cellsthought to be involved in MS. They
found that high salt levels drove the
production of a type of immune cell, called
a TH-17 cell, in laboratory models of MS.
Vital clues
TH-17 cells are thought to play a role in
attacking the myelin sheath that lines cells
of the brain and spinal cord. Finding out
more about how they are formed in
the immune system may give researchers
vital clues on the factors involved in causing
MS.
Researchers fed a high salt diet to mice
with EAE (a laboratory model of MS) and
found those with a high salt diet were more
likely to develop more severe forms of EAE.
More work is needed
Research has shown that EAE is not a
perfect model of MS and much more work
is needed in order to confirm these early
laboratory findings in people with MS.
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Head of Biomedical
Research at the MS Society said:
"This is a really interesting study and it’s
positive to see new avenues of MS
research being explored in this way. It’s still
too early, however, to draw firm conclusions
on what these findings mean for people
with MS but we look forward to seeing the
results of further research.
"In the meantime, we recommend that
people follow government advice on
maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, which
includes guidelines on salt intake.”
Salt intake may play a role in MS, new
research suggests
First results from key NMSS-funded CCSVI
studies
Chronic cerebrospinal
venous insufficiency is
a chronic condition
which causes blood
from the brain and
spine to be slowed or
stopped in its attempt to flow back to the
heart. The first of seven CCSVI studies
funded by the National MS Society and the
MS Society of Canada has published its
results, which showed no increase in
prevalence of CCSVI in people with MS.
Researchers from the University of Texas
Health Science Centre at Houston used
sonography techniques to measure blood
outflow from the brain to establish whether
any of the participants in the study fulfilled
the criteria for CCSVI.
276 people were assessed for CCSVI (206
with MS and 70 without). The researchers
found that CCSVI was present in 3.88% of
people with MS and 14% of people
without MS. These results showed no
significant differences in blood flow rates
between people with MS and people
without....
7
JasperJasperJasperJasper
Calling all carers
Are you caring for
someone with MS? If you
are, then come and join our
local carers group who get
together once a month to
chat, relax and laugh with others who are in
the same position. I joined last year and
found everyone to be friendly and
welcoming.
I have certainly learned a lot from other
carers, and it is good to be in the company
of people who truly understand the issues
and feelings we are all dealing with.
We would love to extend the hand of
friendship to other carers so don’t hesitate
to get in touch.
We meet on the third Thursday of each
month at Carnon Downs from 2-4pm.
Meetings are free of charge, and if you have
difficulty in leaving your loved one for long,
do let us know—we may be able to help.
Give Mike George a call on 01872 862031
to find out more, we look forward to
meeting you soon!
Sue Smith
My name Is Elayne and I am currently in my
final year of a level 4 therapeutic counselling
diploma. To complete the course, I need to
gain experience in working with people on a
1-1 basis. If anyone is interested in
receiving some therapy free of charge
(apart from any expenses incurred) then I
would love to hear from you. I do have MS
myself and am happy to see those with MS
or their family/carers. I look forward to
hearing from you. 07870 377 203.
Calling all carers
Why do we have Easter eggs?
A lot of us may chomp on chocolate eggs
at Easter, but originally eating eggs was not
allowed by the church during the week
leading up to Easter (known as Holy Week).
So any eggs laid that week were saved and
decorated to make them 'Holy Week eggs',
then given to children as gifts.
Victorians adapted the tradition with satin
covered cardboard eggs filled with Easter
gifts.
Whilst munching on several
Easter eggs last month
(purchased by myself as
none of you sent me one) I
thought about how eggs
and rabbits became an
Easter tradition. Request from Elayne
Why are Easter eggs made of chocolate?
The first chocolate eggs appeared in
France and Germany in the 19th century
but were bitter and hard.
As chocolate-making techniques improved,
hollow eggs like the ones we have today
were developed.
They very quickly became popular and
remain popular today.
What's the Easter Bunny then?
The story of the Easter Bunny is thought to
have become common in the 19th century,
too.
Rabbits usually give birth to a big litter of
babies (called kittens), so they became a
symbol of new life.
Legend has it that the Easter bunny lays,
decorates and hides eggs as they are also
a symbol of new life.
He doesn't do all the work alone though. In
Switzerland, Easter eggs are delivered by a
cuckoo, and by a fox in parts of Germany.
An AngloAn AngloAn AngloAn Anglo----Saxon legend Saxon legend Saxon legend Saxon legend ----
the Easter bunny and eggsthe Easter bunny and eggsthe Easter bunny and eggsthe Easter bunny and eggs
An Anglo-Saxon legend tells how the
Saxon goddess EostreEostreEostreEostre found a wounded
bird and transformed it into a hare, so that
it could survive the Winter. The hare found it
could lay eggs, so it decorated these each
Spring and left them as offering to the
goddess.
This conundrum was sent in by Judy Reed
ENGLISH AS IT IS SPOKEN Part one...... You think English is easy??
I think a retired English teacher was bored,
and came up with this lot! 1)The bandage was wound around the
wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to
refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture..
5) He could lead if he would get the lead
out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert
in the desert..
7) Since there is no time like the present, he
thought it was time to present the
present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the
bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the
bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the
invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen
about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to
close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the
does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down
into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught
his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the
sail.
18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I
shed a tear..
19) I had to subject the subject to a series
of tests.
20) How can I intimate this to my most
intimate friend?
Don’t miss part two next month!!
8
Chiropodist vouchers
We have a chiropodist who is willing to take
our vouchers so give him a call:
Stephen C Bloor DPodM, MChS, HPC Reg
RunRight StepFree Clinic
The Angel Centre
Tyacke Road
Helston TR13 8RR
Oh Judy!! You have
got me in such a
tiswas; I can’t take
this kind of confusion.
All this rabbiting on. I
will have to have
another cup of tea
This sand sculpture picture was sent in by
Judy Reed, I think it looks a bit scary, what
do you think?
9
April quizApril quizApril quizApril quiz March Quiz answersMarch Quiz answersMarch Quiz answersMarch Quiz answers
Target
£2,000.00
Actual
to date £924
Money Boxes
Happy birthday to:Happy birthday to:Happy birthday to:Happy birthday to:
2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd Mark Osborne
3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd Rachel Sobey
9th9th9th9th Vicky Richards
17th17th17th17th Gail Aldridge
19th19th19th19th Susan Bence
20th20th20th20th Emily Burgoyne
27th27th27th27th Tina Cameron
29th 29th 29th 29th Rita Last
39
9
Unscramble the letters to reveal some Don
Williams songs
1 FOEESOY YL SRTU HERE
2 ERD'BI OE SYYM RTUEFN
3 EHBN ASEEMR OOSTKR
4 OISE'A TTH HHATT TNEVO BGLV
5 B IEYUIIN LE EVO
6 U'C NSIA J UMRTOBY YTO
7 DAAAMN
8 ILTTA SUEM
What’s this mystery object?
1 In The Mood
2 Moonlight Serenade
3 Chattanooga Choo Choo
4 Tuxedo Junction
5 St Louis Blues March
6 Little Brown Jug
7 A String of Pearls
8 Pennsylvania Six Five Thousand
Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in:
January January January January 10, 26, 43, & 61
FebruaryFebruaryFebruaryFebruary 52, 90, 76, & 85
March March March March 5, 30, 46 & 67
AprilAprilAprilApril 13, 49, 23, & 73
May May May May 79, 45, 16, & 28
JuneJuneJuneJune 65, 18, 41, & 87
July July July July 57, 3, 8, & 69
August August August August 83, 59, 71, & 20
SeptemberSeptemberSeptemberSeptember 38, 63, 75, &1
OctoberOctoberOctoberOctober 33, 77, 55, & 89
NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember 51, 86, 48, & 35
DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 11, 32, 53, & 68
January 13 January 13 January 13 January 13 81, 31, 15, & 25
February 13 February 13 February 13 February 13 40, 22, 78, & 36
March 13 March 13 March 13 March 13 44, 56, 21, & 6
April 13 April 13 April 13 April 13 80, 39, 50, & 74
Birthday cards
If anyone would like a birthday card send
from the branch please contact Betty
Alderton Contact number on back page
“Too bad all the people who know how to
run the country are busy driving taxis and
cutting hair.”
Thought of the Month
For the first time ever,
overweight people outnumber
average people in America.
Doesn't that make overweight
the average then? Last month
you were fat, now you're
average - hey, let's get a piz-
Did you spot the 10 differences?
Poetry CornerPoetry CornerPoetry CornerPoetry Corner
March
mystery
object
Some thousand words,
some thousand lines,
and not one feels right.
You never shall see her
tears fall on all the
crumbled pages, for by
the time when she’ll be
done writing,
her soul has already died.
Can you spot the 20
differences in the Wallace and
Gromit picture
10
My wife sat down next to me as I was
flipping channels.
She asked, "What's on TV?"
I said, "Dust."
And then the fight started...
Letter of Goodbye
11
Meet Sydne`e Jayne Teversham.
Sydne`e was 13 on the 21st February 2013, lives in Par
and attends Fowey Community College.
Her love of photography was the reason for her sending
me some landscape pictures for the front cover, but
agreed to let me take these pictures of her.
I had a great afternoon and came away with some
lovely pictures as you can see.
Sydne`e takes part in fund raising activities and
supports her Nan who attends the Merlin Centre.
We like Sydne`e and all the
young people who get
involved in helping everyone
affected by MS.
Well done Sydne`e
Cover photos of the month
12
Malcolm and Jackie Thorne went on a cruise to Norway and here are some lovely
pictures from their trip,
Ice sculptures in the igloo hotel at Alta
The official marker of the Arctic Circle
Malcolm and Jackie all wrapped up
The Riksgransden Hotel,just across
the border in Sweden, under 3 feet of snow
Evening sunshine turns the mountains pink Mountains reflected in the calm waters of
a fjord
The Northern Lights
13 5 5
Gulval School receive their Read-A-Thon awards
There was great excitement when 23 Students from Gulval School received certificates
for taking part in the Schools Read-A-thon, and the school received the MS
Read-A-Thon plaque, a certificate and book tokens for the library. Gulval School are ready to take part in next years Read-A-Thon
Group picture of students
with Head teacher Mr Ian
Fellows and myself
It’s a great achievement for these young
people to complete the Read-A-Thon and
picking up their certificates was an exciting
moment for them.
Thank you and well done Gulval School
Mr Fellows receiving the
School plaque and book
tokens
13
Read-A-Thon news
14
Schools completed:Schools completed:Schools completed:Schools completed:
Cape Cornwall, St Just
Darite CP School, Liskeard
Lanivery School, Bodmin
Kehelland school, Camborne
Gulval school, Penzance
St Mary’s C of E Primary
Schools started:
Devoran School, I will soon be publishing money
raised, I am waiting for returns to
come on this round of the schools
Read-A-Thon
6 14
Canada schools project
As I previously reported, Gulval school has
been in contact with Gladstone School in
Cornwall Ontario Canada, and they have
started an interesting exchange.
Gladstone are currently on March break but
here are some pictures of the students
World book day at
St Mary’s C of E School Penzance
I was lucky enough to be invited to St
Mary’s C of E School on world book day
and what a great time I had.
The children were all dresses up as
Where’s Wally and the atmosphere was full
of excitement. World book day came in the
middle of their Read-A-Thon
The Read-A-Thon awards ceremony at St
Mary’s C of E school is on the 28th March
look out for it in the next edition of the
Lifeboat magazine.
Elsa has done it again Elsa Barker-Brown has
raised another £48 for
people affected by MS,
well done Elsa, thank
you for your efforts, you
are doing a great job.
Children from Gladstone School, Cornwall
Ontario Canada
15
MeganMeganMeganMegan
15
I had always been like this. Paranoid I
mean. Since I can remember I’ve always
believed in karma and what not. But this
time it was bad, really bad. I had just read
my fortune from a cookie at a Japanese
restaurant. I was scared
REALLY scared! I rushed out
of the restaurant as quickly as I possibly
could, throwing the money to the
receptionist telling her to keep the change. I
literally sprinted to my car and got in as fast
as lightening. I caught my breath and put
the key in to the ignition starting the car
immediately; I drove out of the car park and
sped nearly the whole way home. I reached
my house, if you can call it that, it’s more
like a cottage I suppose.
My arrival was soon announced by the loud
barking of my dog, Charlie. I unlocked the
door and walked in and made sure to wipe
my feet as it was raining outside. I hung up
my coat and took off my shoes. I walked
through into
the kitchen
were my
small lab
awaited, as
soon as he
saw it was
me he
jumped out of his bed and began bounding
towards me form the other side of the
kitchen. He jumped up at my legs nearly
knocking me over onto the floor. But he
was the least of my worries. I walked
quickly over to the sink and got a glass and
poured myself a glass of water to try and
calm myself. That night while I was in bed
all I could think about was the fortune
“Something terrible will happen very soon” I
was tossing and turning all night trying to
get it off of my mind.
The Fortune
The next morning I felt awful and probably
looked it too. I then decided that I was just
going to have to try and stay safe and not
do anything to dangerous. That didn’t last
long though. The first thing that happened
was that Charlie almost pushed me down
the stairs, then I nearly got run over by a
car because Charlie decided that he was
going to pull me across the road in front of
flowing traffic After that I nearly ran into a
door in front of everyone in the shopping
centre ( so embarrassing).
Then I decided to just stay at home and
watch the TV and eat LOTS of popcorn!
Everything was fine until the door bell went;
this is it I thought as I crept up to the door
holding the nearest
lamp in both hands. I
opened the door to see
the postman standing
there looking rather
scared, I soon realised
that I still had the lamp
in my hand, I put it
down on the side and
he handed me the post.
I shut the door as soon
as he turned around.
I leant against the door and flicked through
the envelopes until I saw one that caught
my eye I held it in my hand and opened it
slowly. I pulled the letter out of the envelope
only to reveal that I had won the
competition I had entered a few weeks ago!
But wait something bad was supposed to
happen?! I pulled the fortune out of my
pocket and opened it gingerly I then read it
again and began to laugh it didn’t say
“something bad is going to happen”
instead it said “something terrific is going to
happen” WHOOPS!
Something
Megan Robins
South Cornwall branch MS
Youth Group West “Making Sense”
50
16 16
On Thursday
28th of
February I
was lucky
enough to go
to Exeter to
watch the
premier
league of darts with the top 10 players in
the world. The matches were Robert
Thornton V Gary Anderson
Andy Hamilton V Micheal Van Gerwen
James Wade V Phil Taylor (the best in the
world)
Wes Newton V Adrian Lewis and
Raymond Van Barneveld V Simon
Whitlock.
A great night was had by three members of
the youth group, who went to the
recent Fire 'n' Ice cabaret. Megan, Ben and
Lauren enjoyed a super meal and then
listened to Malcolm and Nikki
(Fire 'n' Ice) and also Laura. They are all
looking forward to the next one!! Hopefully
photos to follow in next months 'Lifeboat' Jamie had a super night watching the
Premier Darts in Exeter. His sister Lauren
and brother Jack also watched from the
comfort of their home, and saw Jamie and
their mum and dad on the television. Read
Jamie's report to find out more. The youth group have decorated
wooden bird houses and star clappers
which are available to purchase. If anyone
is interested please contact me, details are
on the back page. Will publish photos next
month. Nikki xx
Jamie reports
During a match one of the security guards
gave me flights that Phil Taylor had used in
his match and Wes Newtons practice
flights!!!!!!
I had a really, really great night with my
mum, dad, uncle Ian and some friends
and really hope I can go again next year
as my Birthday treat, my birthday was
just 2days before!. Xx
This is my brother Jack, getting ready to
play for England
Scrap heap challenge
I am reporting this
month from Mike
Georges garage, with
the continuing story of
that lovely Range
Rover conversion. By
lovely I mean the
Range Rover, not the
conversion
Above is a picture of a standard Range
Rover and this is the story of how it could
look after a Mike George conversion kit has
been applied.
There is nothing these skilled men can’t
achieve, Mikes team of Richard and Phil
have technical knowledge beyond belief, I
wouldn’t be at all surprised if their next
project was connected with brain surgery.
In all seriousness this is a feat of
engineering and a labour of love, I have
heard that Rover are after the drawings if
only for them to be destroyed. Turning a Range Rover into a multi-purpose
off road vehicle is not easy so don’t try this
at home.
You can see that the sleek wind resistant
lines of the new conversion gives it that “I
must have one” appeal. If you want your
Range Rover converted call Mike George
01872 862031.
This is Jasper signing off from the Mike
George Rover conversion centre, Carnon
Downs.
JasperJasperJasperJasper
The Mike George Range Rover conversion
in midnight blue A tipping body, and that’s just Phil
17
Richard
Ellie May,
Communications and Corporate
Events Manager
Tel: 01726 885530
April 2013April 2013April 2013April 2013: Easter coffee morning with
cakes and goodies
May 2013: May 2013: May 2013: May 2013: Summer BBQ and Car boot
sale
South Cornwall Youth Group West
activities
South Cornwall Branch
events 2013
74
In next months Lifeboat magazine: Members pages & Magazine Bingo Youth Group page MS News Megan’s page Branch events Read-A-Thon news
Events taking place at Merlin MS Centre Dates for these events to be advised: Seminar for potential committee volunteers
Get together’s
Bingo afternoon
Auction
Quiz and games night
Magazine tombola
Carwinion open day
Wine and cheese party
18
Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks
so as from 1st March 2013 please make all
voucher requests to Chris Sargent
01209 315386
IMPORTANT NOTICE
South Cornwall Vouchers
Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon
TrekTrekTrekTrek---- 10101010thththth----17171717thththth May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek. Are you
ready to experience the breath taking
beauty of the Grand Canyon whilst raising
money for the Merlin Ms Centre? With a
year to fundraising you have plenty of time
to join us for this trek of a lifetime. Contact
the centre for more information 01726
885530.
Merlin MS Centre are looking for willing and
friendly volunteers to help with their
supermarket collection days throughout the
year and throughout the county. If you think
you can spare an hour or two to help then
please get in touch with the centre on
01726 885530.
“I play all my Country and Western music
backwards – your lover returns, your dog
comes back and you cease to be an
alcoholic.”
Doctor, doctor, I can’t stop singing “The
Green Green Grass of Home”
That’s what we doctors call Tom Jones’
Syndrome.
Oh, really? Is it common?
It’s not unusual.
Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Mike George
Telephone: 01872 862031
email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Malcolm Thorne
Telephone: 01209 717237
email: [email protected]
Address Coomar, 3 Chenoweth Close, Camborne
Cornwall TR14 7JR
Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Jackie Thorne
Telephone: 01209 717237
email: [email protected]
Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Christine Sargent
Telephone: 01209 315386
email: [email protected]
M S Support : M S Support : M S Support : M S Support :
Telephone: 01872 274911
Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Neville Reed
Telephone: 01637 875823
email: [email protected]
Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor:
Malcolm Glister
Telephone: 01209 860754
email: [email protected]
Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Mike May
Telephone: 01872 272 957
email: [email protected]
Membership: Membership: Membership: Membership: Betty Alderton
Telephone: 01872 270901
email: [email protected]
Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Moe Fisher
email: [email protected]
Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Nikki Jenkin
Telephone: 01736 787089
email: [email protected]
Events CoEvents CoEvents CoEvents Co----ordinator ordinator ordinator ordinator Carol Batchelor
Telephone: 01326 373464
email: [email protected]
Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Vacant
Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:
Llawnroc, Mount Carbis Road,
Redruth, Cornwall,
TR15 2LD
Tel: 01872 274911
www.mssociety.org.uk/southcornwall Satellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite events Last Tuesday of each month: Last Tuesday of each month: Last Tuesday of each month: Last Tuesday of each month:
Helston & Lizard Group meeting:
Wheal Dream Restaurant, Helston
from 11.00am to approx 2.00pm.
Lunch at discounted rate. Every Thursday: Every Thursday: Every Thursday: Every Thursday:
Yoga at the Well Being Centre,
Nance Lane, Churchtown,
Illogan. 11.00am to 12.15pm. with
Carolyn Smith by appointment only. Every third ThursdayEvery third ThursdayEvery third ThursdayEvery third Thursday
Carers meeting at Mike George’s Useful contacts:Useful contacts:Useful contacts:Useful contacts:
MS National Centre: 02084 380 700
MS Helpline: 0808 800 8000
Care Direct: 0800 444 000
NHS Direct: 0845 4647
Editors Contact detailsEditors Contact detailsEditors Contact detailsEditors Contact details:
To send in articles or comments.
Malcolm Glister
Whispering Winds, Crellow Hill,
Stithians, Nr Truro,
Cornwall, TR3 7AQ
Tel 01209 860754
South Cornwall Branch Information
Need help or advice, call our
support number 01872 274911
All views expressed in this publication are individual and not necessarily the view or policy of the charity and its supporters.
Multiple Sclerosis Society Registered charity nos. 1139257 / SC041990
Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571
