My name is Gill Chilton and I have been diagnosed with MS since August 2017.
I had been looking to join an MS Therapy Centre and after searching with Google I found this one in Marsh Green Community Centre, Kitt Green Road. Wigan. I came along and felt immediately at ease in this friendly environment. I come here now three times a week and I'm currently helping out with some secretarial chores for the charity. My husband also enjoys accompanying me to the centre.
Hi, I’m Heather, the lead fundraiser at the charity.
I was diagnosed with MS in 2008. I had my own business designing and manufacturing dance uniform for dance schools for a number of years. Unfortunately I had to sell the business in 2009 due to my MS.
Not wanting to waste my wealth of business knowledge I became fundraiser and event coordinator of the charity. This includes raising awareness and raising funds by promoting the charity with local businesses. I married Martin in 1987, and we have a daughter Lucy. My passion apart from the charity is shopping and holidays.
My name is Janet Mather and I am carer for my husband who has secondary progressive MS. We started to attend the centre in April 2017 and we were immediately made to feel at home by everyone. We got such a warm welcome that we wanted to help with the centre wherever we could.
After a few months of attendance I was asked to join the committee and I now enjoy volunteering, including helping with some admin roles and all types of fundraising.
I was born in Wigan 1941 and educated at St Mary's R.C. Junior School and Thomas Linacre Secondary Technical School.
After leaving school I trained as a diagnostic medical radiographer at Wigan Infirmary and received the Diploma of the Society of Radiographers and State Registration.
Following 10 years working for Wigan and Leigh hospitals I joined a company supplying x-ray film and equipment to hospitals and industry as a specialist imaging manager.
On retirement, I joined my wife Rose in her charity work and was involved in setting up the MS Regional Therapy Support Group in 2004. (This was our original name. It was changed to MS Therapy Centre in 2016).
Hi, I'm Jo and I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2018 at the age of 31 after 10 years of symptoms.
I quickly started to attend the centre and the sense of community that I felt being with other people with MS has been invaluable. It can be difficult to access though as I am still in full time employment.
So, with this in mind, my aim is to create a community for MSers who are younger or are still working and so unable to access the centre during the week.
Watch out for more information on Facebook or Twitter as the new hours are added at the weekends.
Hi. I am Karen, a trustee at the charity. I have previously owned a sweetshop/off licence. When I sold the business I took up the position of mid day supervisor at a local school.
I was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2016 which unfortunately led to me having to leave my job. A friend of mine recommended the therapy centre to me shortly after I was diagnosed. I came along, not knowing what to expect. I found everyone who came along to the centre very friendly and supportive. I would often help out at any fundraising events that were held. In 2017 I was invited onto the committee.
I really enjoy attending the centre, it’s great to have the support and help from everyone here. I am committed to helping the charity grow in the future.
Hi I’m Martin Read and I’m married to Heather who has MS. I am a music teacher, working part-time currently.
I help with the centre in any way I can when I have free time. I am fully committed to the project.
Hi, I’m Peter, the chairman of the charity and official odd job man.
I took early retirement as a technical Gas engineer after 39 years service, soon after my wife Karen was diagnosed with MS. We have been married since 1987 and have one son, Stephen, who now lives in New Zealand.
In my spare time I follow The Wigan Warriors home and away, and I have previously been involved with The Riversiders, the official supporters club.
After seeing the positive effect that the centre had on Karen, I became actively involved as a volunteer, eventually becoming Chairman in June 2017.
My goal for the charity is to increase the membership enabling us to make maximum use of the centre. I also use social media to raise the profile and awareness of the charity.
My name is Richard Mather and I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2002. In 2013 I was diagnosed with secondary progressive MS and over the past year I have been confined to a wheelchair.
I used to run my own business as a turf accountant. I am now retired.
I use the gym in the centre each week and I find the Thera Trainer Balo machine particularly helpful as it is my only means of standing.
I joined the committee along with my wife mid 2017 and became treasurer at the AGM in December. I enjoy being involved in such a great venture.
I am married to Jim and I volunteer at the centre every week. There are usually lots of little jobs to do. I am also very happy to help out with all fundraising events.
My name is Ruth Hart, I’m 41 years old and I am the proud mother of two, girlfriend to the lovely Rob and an avid supporter of Wigan Athletic FC.
I enjoy spending my time walking my two naughty Cavalier King Charles spaniels, singing along at rock concerts (and avoiding the mosh pit at all costs) and attending football matches with my best friends.
I was diagnosed with relapsing and remitting Multiple Sclerosis back in 2008. The diagnosis period was difficult for me (as I am sure it is for everyone) however my wonderful family and friends stood by me all the way.
I started my treatment on daily Copaxone injections, however I recently transitioned to Gilenya tablets which help me in continuing with my daily life.
Since attending the Wigan MS centre regularly, my outlook upon my condition has further improved. Spending time with likeminded people assures me that I am never alone, and I wish to ensure others feel the same way by coordinating the monthly 50/50 draw to raise funds for the centre to help us increase the facilities we already have to help each and every person who attends. We are always looking for new supporters for the draw, check out how to join on our fundraising page.
Here at the Multiple Sclerosis centre, we welcome everyone and always wish to support one another; as we have each experienced the difficulty of living with MS/being the loved one of a sufferer. We are overwhelmed with the amount of kindness and support we have received from the public during our fundraisers and events, and are always looking for new friendly faces to volunteer their time to help our charity grow further.
My name is Wendy Welch. I am a retired IT worker. I was diagnosed with MS in 2006. I retired in 2008.
I have been a committee member with the Wigan MS Therapy Centre since October 2016. I joined the charity because I could see what a difference it was making to anyone who came through the door, including me!
I have been instrumental in obtaining grants for the Centre which has helped us with procuring some great accessible equipment for our very popular on-site gym and many other assets. I also help out where possible on all the fundraising events that we undertake. My Husband Colin is also a committee member in support of me. He loves coming here too!