14 April 1999

Opening of MS Centre expansion funded by the Charities Board

Tom Jones, Chair of the National Lottery Charities Board in Wales today attended the opening of the extension of the Multiple Sclerosis centre, based in Saltney and serving North Wales, Cheshire and Wirral districts. The project which successfully applied for funding from the Charities Board and other sources provides support and therapy for people who have been diagnosed as suffering from MS. This is a debilitating and incurable condition. Through various therapies however, it is possible for MS sufferers to improve the physical control over their lives as well as encourage positive mental attitudes.

A key part of the centre’s service is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy which involves breathing pure oxygen through a face-mask while sitting in a chamber containing pressurised air. Other therapies provided at the centre include Physiotherapy, Head or Aromatherapy Massage, Reflexology as well as Counselling sessions, specialist nurses drop-in clinic, and practical financial or legal advice.

Tom Jones, a Guest of Honour at the opening said, "The Charities Board awards grants but also monitors the projects and delights with the voluntary groups when they achieve their goals. I am particularly pleased to be here today with the centre’s distinguished guests and with the hard-working staff and volunteers to witness the opening of the extension that will bring further benefits and opportunities to more MS sufferers in the area."

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor David Nield, formally opened the expanded and refurbished Multiple Sclerosis Support Centre by unveiling the plaque commemorating the support of organisations that helped fund these improvements. These include the Charities Board, which has awarded two grants totalling £140,375, Ainscough Crane Hire, Area 36 Round Tables, BHP Petroleum, Capenhurst Medical & Research Fund Committee, MANWEB plc, Shell UK, and Technical Training Enterprise Ltd.

Chairman of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Alf Jones, JP was also Guest of Honour at the event.

For further information on the MS Support Centre please call: Harri Owen-Jones Tel: 01244 678619

Groups seeking application forms for Charities Board grants or further information should call 0345 273273.