FUNDRAISERS are under starter’s orders as they try to support people living with multiple sclerosis.
A race night is being organised to raise much-needed funds to pay for essential physiotherapy for patients that is no longer available on the NHS.
The event was the idea of Darlington School of Mathematics and Science assistant head teacher Dave Tucker and his wife Janet, who was diagnosed 10 years ago with the condition and is now confined to a wheelchair.
It follows a successful race night staged by DSMS earlier this year to help raise funds to send students on a life-changing trip to Kenya next year.
“I have been in the Darlington branch of the MS Society for some time and wanted to do something to help,” said Janet, 62, of Hurworth.
“At first I thought about having a quiz night but then Dave said how successful the race night had been for DSMS’ Kenya trip so we thought we would give it a go.”
The race night will be held at Darlington Rugby Club on October 11 from 7pm. Local businesses have already flocked to their aid to ensure as much money as possible is raised for the physiotherapy.
The Croft Hotel, Croft, is providing prizes for every race including vouchers for meals and afternoon tea. Wheelchair and accessories specialist Carefree Mobility donated £320.
Other sponsors include Ableworld, Oxford Garage, Blue Sky Therapy, Martin Healey Vehicle Adaptations, the Hurworth branch of the Spa, Stephen Truman Cleaning Services, P and S I Stelling & Son Truck Repairs and Maintenance, Oscar’s Hairdressing, Woodcroft Antiques and Curios, Nigel Carnell Physiotherapy, Philip Armstrong Construction, Kinsler and Partners, Karen Johnston, Hogarth Tech and Francis W Construction Ltd.
“The one to one physiotherapy is fantastic and makes such a difference to our lives,” said Janet.
“The NHS doesn’t offer such help any more and the intensive physiotherapy, on the bars and bike and the treatment, is incredibly popular with everyone really feeling the benefits.
“I suddenly developed the auto-immune condition ten years ago and couldn’t believe it as I was so fit. I noticed immediately something was wrong with a weakness down one side, disorientation and fatigue.”
Dave added: “The DSMS race night was fantastic so this seemed the obvious thing to do and it is such a good cause. I know from Janet just how important the physiotherapy is to patients.”
For manager of The Croft Hotel Peter Martin the cause is close to his heart – his cousin developed the condition in his 30s.
Peter, who ran the Great North Run in aid of the MS Society, said: “This is a great local cause and we are delighted to do something for the local community.”
