THE Oldham group of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has received more than £7,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The group has been unable to carry out its usual fundraising activities during the coronavirus pandemic so they put their thinking caps on to come up with alternative ways of raising money.

However, the generous award from the National Lottery Community Fund has eased their financial worries somewhat and means that members will now be able to concentrate and continue with their vital work in the Oldham area.

This funding has come specifically from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, set up by the government to support vulnerable groups and individuals affected by the pandemic.

Barbara Micklethwaite, long standing volunteer, said: “We want to thank the government for making it possible for us to carry on with our work.”

The Oldham MS Society group provides information and support to people who have Multiple Sclerosis and their loved ones who are inevitably affected by it.

The group provides a telephone helpline, welfare advice, which includes a special link with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and activities include specialist exercise classes that have been able to continue thanks to Zoom.

With its financial situation secured for the coming months, the group is looking at using Zoom more to provide social activities and information events until such time as people can meet together safely again.

Anyone who is affected by MS can contact the group on 0161 626 6455 or by email on oldham@mssociety.org.uk. There is also a National Helpline on 0800 800 8000.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Oldham branch of the MS Society has been running since the 1960s.

They currently have 80 people accessing the service.

For more information, contact:

NAME BARBARA MICKLETHWAITE

EMAIL bmanilow07@aol.com

PHONE 07890 606485