And now for the News... Updated 15 September 2003

Carole Henderson, Joan Oag and Willie Sinclair listen to the BBC Radio Scotland broadcast of "Let's Do The Show Right Here!" in the Nerve Centre.

If you would like to order photographs of the Show, see John Baikie's website or call into the Nerve Centre and you can view the whole album and take away an order form.

21 October  Listen to audio accounts of living with epilepsy

21 October  Read Epilepsy Action's latest newsletter

6 October  Sunday Post features Let's Do The Show series

1 October

Read list of thank you's for  BBC Show...

2 October    Read the latest MS Research Bulletin

Meet the BBC Radio Scotland team 26.8.03

The production team of "Let's Do the Show Right Here!" who visited us in July to discuss and record.  From left to right, Mairidh-Anne, programme producer, Caroline the researcher, and last but not least, and the one with the most responsibility, the series producer Gareth.  Could explain why he looks so weighed down....or was it our Committee that tired him out?

Lynn Hardie, a member of Thurso Amateur Swimming Club recently swam a total of 75 miles in Thurso Swimming Pool over 7 days in aid of Scottish Motor neurone disease.  Lynn lost a close member of her family to the disease last year and decided to take part in a sponsored event before she goes off to Glasgow University in September.

The challenge was quite demanding and Lynn spent approximately 5 and a half hours in the pool each day Monday to Friday, covering a distance of 12.5 miles each day and then 12.5 miles over Saturday and Sunday, a total of 4828 lengths of the pool.  Apart from arm muscle fatigue during the week an losing half a stone in weight, the challenge went according to plan and took just over 35 hours to complete.  Pool staff and family friends were on hand to congratulate Lynn on such a supreme effort after she finished. 

Lynn has asked us to express her sincere thanks to David Malcolm, Pool Manager and Rhona Mowat for all their help during the week, to understanding Pool patrons, to the generosity of all her friends and family, local businesses and sponsors who between them have raised a total of £1565.39 for such a worthy cause.

We're delighted to have been chosen as this year's featured charity in this race.

If you're a member of a local group, a friendly office team or just interested in running/walking a long way, then why not think about applying for a team place in this year's annual Caithness Amateur Athletic Club charity road relay from Wick to Thurso.  It's to start at 10am at Wick's Coop Car Park, ending at Thurso's Park Hotel car park at.....well, whenever you finish!

Teams must consist of between 6 and 10 runners/walkers, they must provide transport for changeovers, and must raise at least £50 in sponsorship for the team.  If you are interested in entering a team, then contact Linda Ross of CAAC on 01847 893577. The deadline for return of application forms is 7th September.

Good luck and thank you to everyone who takes part, and we'll see you on the day!

Due to work commitments, Jaime Oag's sponsored swim didn't take place as planned last Thursday, but for anyone still at Wick swimming pool waiting to cheer her on, your wait will soon be over, so don't leave your place!

We'll let you know how she gets on later this week.

The forthcoming fundraising evening in Thurso High School to be recorded by BBC Radio Scotland on Monday 22 September in Thurso High School is being put together as we speak.  The only problem is, we still haven't heard who our celebrity is going to be!

You can read more about the radio programme, called "Let's Do the Show Right Here!" on the BBC's own website.  Our concert will feature local artistes as well as Jackie Bird, as the host of the Show, and the as yet un-named celebrity.

Wick lass Jaime Oag's family are friends of Della Smith, our Wick group organiser, and Jaime decided she wanted to do something to help out.  She's going to try to swim a mile (64 lengths!) in Wick swimming pool this Thursday to raise funds for the Wick Group.

If you're a friend, neighbour or anyone who knows Jaime, make sure you give her some money for her efforts.  Apparently her first idea was a parachute jump, so her Mum's delighted she's chosen to swim instead!  Best of luck, and thanks to Jaime.  We'll let you know how she gets on!

We have received a message from one of the Far North Golf challengers, Jimmy Hawthorne.  

We are still awaiting a final figure, but it looks as though the EPICS group will shortly be on the receiving end of a nice sum of money from the sponsored paddle undertaken by the Vulcan paddlers.  The sum raised is over £3000, to be shared between three local charities including EPICS.  Photographs of the final presentation to follow!

The Ormlie Girls sponsored walk, see photos below, has now raised the incredible sum of £1000 towards the funds for the Nerve Centre.  The sponsorship money was in excess of £800, and the ladies' Committee generously decided to make the total up to £1000 from their general funds.  

What can we say?  This is one of the largest single donations and we are most grateful for the support.  Rest assured it will be wisely spent.  Thanks, girls!

The "Ormlie Girls" are a sub-section of the Ormlie Lodge Club, which operates out of premises in Brownhill Road, Thurso.

BBC Show date changed 26.6.03

We have just learned from the BBC that the date of our fundraising show is to be changed to 22 September.  Apologies for all of you who have cancelled other engagements that night, but it can't be helped.  Just hope this is it now!  Keep watching this space for more details as we have them.  There is to be a visit by the production team on July 10th, so we'll let you more then!

Next week is motor neurone disease Awareness Week, and we hope to feature some articles about the condition.  If you want to know more, try the Scottish MND Association website.

Don't be superstitious, but the new craft group is starting on Friday 13th June from 10 - 12 noon in the Nerve Centre, for anyone with a neurological condition or a carer of someone with such a condition.

There is no cost to you, and you don't have to be crafty to come along.  The first meeting is to discuss what types of projects people fancy trying, then we'll see if we can come up with a programme of ideas for you to have a go at.  There will be two of our volunteers there, one of whom is a crafter herself.  Bring a friend if you don't want to come alone!

John Peddie has kindly sent us a copy of the photograph taken before the sponsored walk last Sunday.  Just as well there isn't one of the aftermath.....or is there?!!!

We'll let you know how much was raised very soon, once all the money is counted.

This past month has seen the highest ever monthly visits to this website, at 2543.  It is heartening to see so many visitors and we sincerely hope that the information provided is not only useful but accurate.  If you know otherwise, don't moan about it, tell us!

We are only amateurs/volunteers and hope that by continuing to give neurological conditions a high profile we can bring about improved services and more facilities for those of you who live with such conditions daily.  You are not alone!

"Ormlie Girls" sponsored walk in aid of Nerve Centre 31.5.03 Back to top

The ladies section of Ormlie Lodge Club are doing a sponsored walk in aid of the Nerve Centre on Sunday 1 June around Thurso, so if you see some gorgeous looking ladies all striding out some time after 11 am tomorrow, then give them a toot! Better still, give them a donation to their collecting cans!  We are most grateful to the ladies for choosing the Nerve Centre as their charity theme this year.  Photographs to follow tomorrow.....

There is now a dedicated web page for this upcoming event.  Keep watching for more news.  Talisman Energy Welfare Committee have donated a tremendous £500 towards the sponsor fund, for which we are most grateful.  More to follow.

BBC Radio Scotland to feature Nerve Centre "Show" 29.5.03 Back to top

We are delighted that BBC Radio Scotland and their "Let's do the Show Right Here" team have chosen the Neurological Group's forthcoming concert as one of the featured charity events to be covered over the coming summer months.

On Monday 8 September Jackie Bird, well known BBC face and voice, will act as the hostess for the evening, a variety show/concert featuring loads of local talent.  The exciting part, apart from having the lovely Jackie amongst us, is that we get to nominate a "celebrity" to come along too, to give the show an extra touch of glamour.  Or to put it bluntly, so we can charge people more!

More to follow after the Committee have battled it out over who they should invite along.....! 

We have had a request from one of our Art Group members to publicise a vacancy in a support team for her four year old autistic son.  He is doing a home behavioural therapy programme (Lovaas therapy) and his mum is looking for a caring person to join the small team who carry out this therapy.  It is a paid post but requires the right person in view of the nature of the work. 

For more information, please phone 01847 890196.

Members and supporters of  EPICS (Epilepsy Partnership in Caithness and Sutherland) will on Saturday be waved off officially on their sponsored walk by John Thurso, MP from the Nerve Centre at 10 am.

The walkers, to be checked en route by stewards out on the course, will aim to complete a nine mile walk in aid of funds.  Chairperson Jennifer Nicol said "We believe that the walk will be a significant first step on the road to better services for and understanding of epilepsy in the local community.  There is so much we would like to do, and any money we make will help us to raise the profile of epilepsy, which is sadly still misunderstood by many."

Photographs will follow after the event....

We are delighted to announce that the neurologists based in Aberdeen are to take clinics in Wick, the next one being on 17 June in Caithness General Hospital.  Appointments should be requested via your GP, as normal, and we hope there will be a good uptake of places so that the authorities will continue this new service on a permanent basis.  The service will only be open to those who do not require specialist equipment or staff based in Aberdeen or Raigmore, and the final list of attendees is prioritised as at present by Raigmore staff.

We welcome this new service and hope that it is the start of improved services for people with neurological conditions in the far north.

Local members of the newly formed EPICS (Epilepsy Partnership in Caithness and Sutherland) are planning a series of events to mark National Epilepsy Awareness Week.  

On Tuesday 19 May there will be volunteers in the Nerve Centre from 10.30 to 12 noon to offer information to anyone interested in finding out more about epilepsy.

There will be a Sponsored Walk in aid of the Group on Saturday 24 May starting at 10.00 am at the Nerve Centre, and covering a distance of around 9 miles.  The walkers will be officially "started" by John Thurso, MP.  Anyone wishing to take part, or to sponsor a walker, should contact Jennifer Nicol on 895957, Joan Oag on 894529 or Janice Falconer on 895158, or phone the Nerve Centre on 01847 890996.

First Aid leaflets about what to do and what not to do if you find someone who is having a seizure will be available free of charge from the Nerve Centre during the week.  These may be useful for local businesses or anyone who comes into contact with the public.  The leaflet can be emailed to you if you would like a copy.

The Parkinson's mobile resource visited Thurso today amid the usual May mixed bag of weather.  Driver and information provider Mike McHattie along with local Parkinson's Welfare Visitor Jane Coll said they had had a small but steady flow of visitors seeking information about Parkinson's disease.  The Mobile Resource has travelled all over Scotland, from the Western Isles to the borders and provides a valuable means of getting information and support to those with the condition, or their carers.  

The Big Blue Bus will be in Wick tomorrow (Saturday) in Safeway's Car Park from 10 am to 3pm.  Pop in and find out more.  You will be assured of a warm welcome from Mike and Jane.  If you miss them this time, you can always contact Jane locally on 01847 851480.

The Parkinson's Mobile Resource in Thurso

Caithness Golf Challenge 2003 fundraiser  1.5.03 Back to top

12 intrepid men are this summer to take on a feat that we believe has never yet been attempted, i.e. to play all four Caithness golf courses in one day, not for the "pleasure" but as a fundraising initiative to make some money for the Wick neurological group.

We will give more details nearer the time, but suffice to say that a tremendous amount of planning and preparation has gone into the event and we would call on the local community to support the guys as much as possible. Keep watching this space......

Thanks to funding by Johnson Controls fundraising at Dounreay (see previous news item), there will be weekly physiotherapy sessions starting on Wednesdays at 2pm.  Anyone with a neurological condition is welcome to come along, provided they bring with them a note from their GP to say that there is no underlying medical reason why they should not take part. 

The physiotherapy will be carried out by a fully qualified physio Kathryn Mackay who currently works at Miriam Sutherland's Ormlie Hill practice. Kathryn will assess each person taking part prior to exercise taking place.  The "hard work" will be followed by refreshments and a chance to have a blether.

There is no charge to those taking part in the physiotherapy sessions.  If you are interested in taking part, please contact the Nerve Centre.

The Parkinson's Disease Society's mobile resource unit, which houses leaflets, books, videos etc on Parkinson's disease, will be visiting Caithness in May.  Anyone is welcome to go along and meet the team, pick up information or just have a browse at the information available.

This scheme, sponsored by UKAEA/Johnson Controls, 

• is for use by anyone who feels vulnerable while living at home
• provides emergency services with vital details of any illness or allergy
• provides emergency services with a contact name if they are called to your home

Bottles are available FREE OF CHARGE from the Caithness contact Bob Murdoch on 01847 893828.  General information about the scheme is available from Mike Barron on 01467 624333.

Since our letter appeared in the John O Groat Journal about the Scottish Executive Working Group recommendations on ME, there has been interest in starting up a local ME support group.  Many people locally are affected by ME, some to the extent that they are housebound, and would greatly appreciate being able to talk to others with the condition.  

Watch this space for more after the Easter holidays.

Deirdre Steven, Labour party candidate in the May Scottish Parliamentary elections, is to visit the Nerve Centre on Tuesday 1 April to hear from the Committee what issues are involved in the care of people with long term medical conditions such as MS, Parkinson's and epilepsy.

Mrs Steven will hear first hand about the Group's continued efforts to have a neurological nurse/practitioner post for the far north, about the lack of respite for young chronic sick and disabled, and about the difficulty of liaison with Primary Care service providers.

Staff at Vulcan have carried out a "walk a mile" challenge to raise awareness of healthy living and prevention of strokes and heart attacks.  This has raised over £500 which is to be given to the local Stroke Service to pay for outings for their three groups.  Well done, guys!!

This year sees the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of the UK MS Society and to mark MS Awareness week the theme is "striking against MS".  For details of the events planned, click on this link to the Society's website.

The Nerve Centre will be marking MS Awareness week in April - watch this space for more.

The number of people visiting our site in a month has gone over 2,000 for the first time.  February saw 2051 visits, with an average of 73 per day.  Since the site was launched there have been 12,240 visitors looking at some 27,292 pages.  The site comes up first in a Google search by "neurological conditions uk" and in the top 16 if searching by just "neurological conditions".

Clearly neurological conditions affect many people and we are happy if we have managed to point some people in the right direction for help or support.  If you have any suggestions for additional features or links, or corrections to existing information, please let us know and we'll respond to your ideas.

If you suffer from diagnosed cluster headaches, you may be able to help with oxygen research trials.  Click here for more details.

A blueprint, Partnership for Care, to transform Scotland’s health and its health services was outlined today. 

Key points are:

1. More local health care – a wider range of services delivered locally in communities. Stronger role for Local Health Care Co-ops, evolving into new Community Health Partnerships.
2. Abolition of NHS trusts and new requirements to devolve authority to frontline units and involve their professionals.
3. New guarantee of treatment on time, initially for certain heart surgery, but to be extended to services with national waiting time targets. New local targets for specialities.
4. Vigorous independent monitoring of services by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHSQIS) to ensure highest standards of care and cleanliness. The Executive will take tough action where serious failings emerge.
5. A new Scottish Health Council, as part of NHSQIS, to involve the public in NHS Scotland.
6. Patients to be partners in decision making - plans for an Integrated Care Record owned jointly by patients and their health care professionals. A new statement of patients' rights and responsibilities and new complaints procedure.
7. A new £26m fund for change and innovation to build a new model NHS designed not by centralised bureaucracy but by clinicians with patients in the driving seat and removing barriers between primary and hospital care.
8. More help for staff through professional development and training to encourage new skills and roles to meet the needs of the NHS. A new approach to workforce planning.

Get Your Blood Pressure Checked - FREE 26.2.02 Back to top

Local Rotary Clubs have teamed up with the Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to help reduce the incidence of stroke. Elevated blood pressure may be an early warning sign of risk of potential stroke.  Free blood pressure checks will be available on Saturday 1 March between 10.00am and 4.00pm at Thurso Town Hall and Ferriers Insurance Office, Kirk Lane in Wick.  Information on how to reduce your blood pressure will be supplied at these events. 

Anyone missing these sessions can call into the Nerve Centre and ask for a leaflet called "How to reduce your chances of stroke", or make an appointment for a blood pressure check at your GP practice. more...

Read about the new emergency provision from the Caithness Community Website.

The newly organised group for epilepsy are forging ahead with their plans to become a formal charity in their own right, thereby giving them some further status in the community and having a proper voice to campaign for the condition.  

There is to be a set-up meeting on Monday 24 March at 7pm in the Nerve Centre for anyone interested in helping the cause.  This will be advertised in the local press.

A local family have approached us to see if there are any others like them who would be willing to share experiences and mutual support through their child's life.  If you have a child with a genetic or other long-term physical condition then they would love to hear from you.  

Contact us by phone on 01847 890996, or by e-mail and we'll put you in touch with the family.  The Nerve Centre is an ideal place to get together, a neutral venue away from household chores and the pressure of daily life, so if you feel able to share your worries with someone in the same sort of situation as you, then contact us and we'll do the rest.

A recent entry in our visitors book has prompted us to wonder if anyone else has a story to tell, about good or bad experiences of medical care for someone with a neurological condition.  If you don't want to leave your name you don't have to, but if there is something you would like to get off your chest, tell us about it.  Does anyone else think patients and carers need to be more assertive about how they are looked after?  Any suggestions for improving matters? Any really inspiring examples of how long-term care should be done?

We have been advised by Epilepsy Scotland that the Long-Term Conditions Conference (see below) planned to be held on 7 March this year has been postponed until after the Scottish Parliamentary elections.  We'll keep you posted on the new date as soon as we have it.

The three Caithness mums determined to improve the lives of local people with epilepsy have seen their efforts pay dividends following their "Epilepsy Awareness" Coffee Afternoon on Saturday 15 February.

Janice Falconer, Jennifer Nicol and Joan Oag said they were "over the moon" at the response to the event in Thurso Town Hall.  The large number of volunteers who turned out to help on the day were "going flat out" serving teas and coffees from the moment the doors opened.  Although the main emphasis was on raising awareness of epilepsy and reaching out to anyone affected by epilepsy, the financial rewards were also huge, with over £500 net being raised (final figure to be announced...) Many people touched by epilepsy turned up on the day, from right across Caithness.  The atmosphere was warm and friendly and there was a tremendous team spirit among the volunteers.

The organisers would like to say a sincere thank you to all the many people who helped before, during or after the Coffee Afternoon, and to those who donated prizes or gave moral support in any way.  

Following the success of the event, there are to be weekly meetings for anyone interested in mutual support for epilepsy on Tuesdays from 10.30* to 12 noon in the Nerve Centre, Thurso (above the Cancer Research shop in the shopping precinct).  The Nerve Centre offers quiet and private surroundings where you'll be made most welcome.

* Note change of time from that previously announced.

An interview was recorded by Moray Firth Radio by telephone  with Jennifer Nicol, one of the founders of the epilepsy support group currently being set up.  Following a press release to Moray Firth Radio, they  kindly decided to feature part of the interview on Tuesday 11 February.  This is excellent publicity and will hopefully reach even more people affected by epilepsy who may want more information or support.  Moray Firth Radio has twice donated funds to the Nerve Centre via its annual charity fundraiser, which is about to launch again for 2003.

This link takes you directly to the Citizens Advice UK website, a mine of useful information on all sorts of topics.  This particular link takes you to the page on NHS patients' rights as they apply to Scotland, and lets you read your rights with respect to your GP, local Health Authority, medical treatment, access to specialists etc.  Worth a look if you want to know the legal position on NHS matters.

An article appeared on the front of today's local paper, the John O Groat Journal.  You can read the full text of the article in this link.  We are most grateful to the "Groat" for this coverage which we hope will reach people who feel they want more information or just someone to understand their situation.

When Jamie Stone, MSP, came to visit the Nerve Centre last month, we put a question to him about whether, in view of the higher than average incidence of MS in the north of Scotland, the Scottish Executive would consider funding any research into the causes of MS.  At present all research is funded by voluntary organisations such as the MS Society and MS Trust.

The written question has been tabled by Mr Stone and this is the answer given by Frank McAveety:

"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department, has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland.  CSO is largely a response mode funder of research and this role is well known and advertised throughout the healthcare and academic community.

CSO is not currently funding any research projects into multiple sclerosis (MS) but would be pleased to consider funding research proposals for innovative MS studies of a sufficiently high standard.  These would be subject to the usual peer and committee review."

This is not quite the positive answer we had hoped for, but we will continue to use the channels open to us to press the case for more funding into neurological conditions.  Mr Stone has also pledged to continue to work for us in this respect.

On Tuesday 11 February at 8pm the Nerve Centre and Epilepsy Support Group are taking part in the regular Community Profile on local radio station Caithness FM.  The 15 minute slot will feature news of the attempts to kick start a support group for epilepsy, the Coffee Afternoon and one of the members will read a moving poem about living with epilepsy.  Tune in to 102.5 FM on Tuesday evening to hear more or tune into their website above.

We have been delighted to hear again from Richard Carey, Chief Executive of the Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust following his visit to the Nerve Centre last Christmas.  Mr Carey says it was "a pleasure to visit the Nerve Centre" and also said he was trying to find out what the situation was with respect to the proposed Wick neurology clinics.  As soon as we hear any more, we'll let you know.

Read the thank you letter for the £100 donation from the Eastern Star (see below)

Epilepsy Scotland, along with Arthritis Care, Diabetes UK and the National Asthma Campaign for Scotland are holding a one-day conference entitled Long- term conditions: in search of long-term solutions.

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm and NHS Scotland Chief Executive, Trevor Jones are among the keynote speakers. This event will be held in the Royal Museum, Edinburgh and is sponsored by ABPI Scotland. Bookings and enquiries can be made to Holyrood Conferences: conferences@holyroodmag.com

Tuesday evening saw a presentation of cheques in the Nerve Centre by representatives of the Thurso Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  Three ladies, Jean Matthews, Christine Chambers and Donna Moodie along with Treasurer Alex Budge also heard more about the Nerve Centre and signed the visitors book.  The Eastern Star annually donate money to good causes.

The first cheque, for £80, was donated to the local Caithness branch of the MS Society and accepted by Chairperson Jan McEwan (R) along with Secretary Jean McLennan (L).

Click for larger images (photographs by Bob Matthews)

The second cheque, for £100, was to be donated towards motor neurone disease and as there is no local support group for the condition this cheque was accepted by Nerve Centre Chairman Willie Sinclair (L) and Secretary Carole Henderson (R).  The cheque has now been forwarded the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Since the launch of the site in May 2002,  visitor numbers have been rising and have now exceeded 10,000.  We hope that whoever is checking in regularly finds the information useful, accurate and informative.  If you have any comments, suggestions or corrections please leave us a message on our Visitors Book on the opening page of the site.

Jamie Stone, MSP visits Nerve Centre Monday 27 January

Members of the Neurological Group Committee met with Jamie Stone, MSP in the Nerve Centre on Monday 27 January, to update him on the latest happenings since he officially opened the Centre last April.  Carole Henderson, Catherine Cowan and volunteer Don Mason spoke to Mr Stone about the highlights and occasional lows of the last 10 months, as well as raising some issues for him to follow up.

Mr Stone was most impressed with the Art Group's "gallery" of pictures and was particularly pleased at the quality of the finished items.  Other matters discussed were the setting up of the epilepsy group*, the formation of the Wick neuro group,  the hopes of setting up a physio/exercise group, an Art Group and future press/media input.  On the negative side, the Committee cited the lack of progress on respite for younger chronic sick and disabled and discussed links between the Local Health-Care Cooperative and the voluntary sector.  

A member of the MS group had passed on a message asking Mr Stone to find out whether, in view of the higher than average prevalence of MS in the north, the Scottish Parliament would be funding any research on MS, as at present this was entirely funded by national MS charities.  Mr Stone undertook to table a written question to find out the answer and will report the answers to us in due course. We will keep you informed.  Thanks meantime to Jamie for taking time to visit us  - we look forward to hearing from you again.

*Mr Stone is on the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on epilepsy.

A small core group of local parents have got together to kick start interest in a support group/interest group for people with epilepsy. Jennifer Nicol, Janice Falconer and Joan Oag all have sons with epilepsy and are keen to raise the profile of this often misunderstood condition.  It is estimated that statistically, at least 80 people in Caithness alone may have epilepsy, but the figure may be higher.

First off they have organised an Coffee Afternoon to be held in the Town Hall, Thurso on Saturday 15 February from 2pm to 4pm.  The date is significant, as they have discovered that St Valentine is not only associated with love and romance, but is also the Patron saint of epilepsy.  Members of the public are invited along for a cup of coffee, a chat and a chance to find out more about epilepsy and to dispel some of the myths.

Next on the agenda is a sponsored walk to be held during Epilepsy Awareness Week in May.  The exact route and format is being worked on, and we'll post details once they are finalised.  Anyone interested in taking part, or in joining with the ladies in setting up a support group should contact us at the Nerve Centre or contact the individuals as follows.

We have been somewhat flabbergasted at the contents of a letter from Elizabeth Henderson on behalf of the Johnson Controls Telecoms, Travel and Reception team at Dounreay!  The letter told of a fundraising event taken on by Elizabeth and her colleague Deirdre Miller for the team, the result of which is that they have decided to donate the princely sum of £1100 to the Nerve Centre!

This is NOT a misprint!  We are delighted to say the least by this generous donation, which will go a long way to achieving some more goals for the Centre.  This amount of money will have to spent wisely and we will release details of how it will be used when the formal presentation takes place (the end of the month at the earliest).

A huge thanks to Johnson Controls staff and those who contributed towards the fundraiser, for their vote of confidence in our project and giving us such a great opportunity to help more people disadvantaged by neurological conditions.

A Healthy Eating campaign was launched by First Minister Jack McConnell on Tuesday, January 7 as part of a long-term commitment to change Scotland’s diet and produce a healthier population.  People with neurological conditions have every reason to ensure that their diet is as nutritionally sound as anyone, as their bodies are usually under extra stress and the immune system needs all the help it can get.  

The Scottish Executive has a helpline for more information, on their website, or you can call into the Nerve Centre and pick up one of our healthy eating leaflets.

MS in Scotland now has its own website in addition to the main national site.  It will have details of news stories on MS as they relate to Scotland,  branch news, fundraising and awareness campaigns and much more.  Keep checking back regularly for more information.

Join the MS Society as it hosts its first live webchat on Monday 16 December.  For further details see the MS Society's own website, which has a mine of useful information for those with MS, the newly diagnosed, carers and anyone with a professional interest in MS.

We have received from the Tuberous Sclerosis Association of the UK a "Practitioner's guide" to the condition as well as a leaflet giving "clinical guidelines for the care of patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex".   These are available in the Nerve Centre for anyone interested to see.

Tuberous Sclerosis is a common multi-system disorder affecting 1:5000 to 1:10,000 newborns and is caused by damage to one of two genes which regular cellular growth.  It results in tumours which can affect a variety of organs, most commonly the brain, skin and kidneys.  It can present at any age from antenatally to adulthood, with considerable variation in severity.

There is further support and information available on the Tuberous Sclerosis Association's website.

The Committee are looking at ways of bringing in more funds for the Centre as these are in dire need of a top up.  We are open to suggestions or offers of help and if you have any ideas we would love to hear from you.  

As you may know, the MS Trust runs a programme of chatroom events, allowing people to ask questions on a chosen topic directly of specialists in MS.

The next session will take place on
3 December between 10am and 7pm.

The topic will be Wellness - the approach to general health and well-being that can help
people living with MS.

The experts will be:
Megan Burgess, MS specialist nurse, Manchester
Jenny Craig, physiotherapist, Walton Centre, Liverpool
Michelle Ennis, occupational therapist, Walton Centre, Liverpool
Gail Townsend, occupational therapist, Aylesbury

Details of how to access the room will be posted on our website (http://www.mstrust.org.uk ) on the day.  If you are unable to take part, a transcript of the session will be posted on the site later.

Simon Webster, Information Officer, MS Trust, Spirella Building, Bridge Road, Letchworth, SG6 4ET
Tel: 01462 476713   Fax: 01462 476710   http://www.mstrust.org.uk 
 
MS Trust Christmas cards are available online
http://www.mstrust.org.uk/christmas