The MS Society’s Sutton group, many of whom are living with MS themselves, have spent the past 10 years raising this large amount of money.
This was done by collecting donations at train stations across London, often putting in up to 12-hour shifts.
Volunteers Vicki and Nigel proud of raising over £100k for MS research (Image: MS Society)
Their effort is part of the MS Society’s Stop MS Appeal, launched in 2015, which is now in its final year and aims to raise £100 million for MS research.
The appeal intends to find treatments for everyone living with progressive MS.
This is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think, and feel.
There are more than 150,000 people living with MS in the UK, including an estimated 19,609 in London.
A diagnosis of progressive MS can mean there are no available treatments to slow or stop the condition from worsening.
Vicki Brice, from Wallington, is the MS Society’s Sutton group’s coordinator.
She was diagnosed with relapsing MS in 2011.
Ms Brice said: “When I was diagnosed with MS I was only 29 and I felt like my life was over.
“I reached out to the MS Society Sutton group in June and the very next day they turned up on my door.
“The group totally changed my perception of MS.
“They have given me so much hope.”
Ms Brice began volunteering with the group a year after her diagnosis and has played a key role in the group’s fundraising efforts.
She continued: “When we started fundraising for the Stop MS Appeal, we never set out to raise £100k.
“I know that things won’t change for me in my lifetime, but we are the generation that need to kick MS in the butt and stop MS for future generations.
“There have been huge advances in research even in my lifetime.
“People who get diagnosed with relapsing MS now have so many treatment options available.
“I really believe that we can stop MS, and I’m so proud that our group has played a role in making that happen.”
The group not only raises funds but also provides support to anyone affected by MS in the local community, including those living with the condition, their loved ones, and carers.
Their services include a helpline, a cost-of-living grant, a citizen’s advice service, and social events, all managed by the group’s volunteers.
Gavin Atkins, executive director of services and support at the MS Society, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the efforts of the MS Society Sutton group.
“MS is debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable, but every pound raised by these incredible volunteers will get us a step closer to stopping MS.
“Right now, we’re in the middle of an MS treatment revolution.
“We’ve made remarkable progress since the start of the Stop MS Appeal, but we can’t stop now.
“We’re closer than ever to finding treatments that slow or stop MS in its tracks.
“Together we will stop MS.”
Anyone wanting to learn more about the Sutton group’s services, or how to volunteer, can visit the MS Society’s website.
