MS Society

The MS Society

More than 100,000 people in the UK have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Symptoms usually start in your 20s and 30s and it affects almost three times as many women as men. It is painful and often exhausting, and can cause problems with how we walk, move, see, think and feel.

The MS Society is the leading UK charity for MS and represents 32,000 members and 269 volunteer-run groups across the country. We are a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, volunteers and fundraisers, and are driving research into more – and better – treatments. For everyone. Our vision is a world free from the effects of MS and our mission is to enable everyone with MS to realise their full potential, and secure the care and support they need.

You can find out more about us here: https://www.mssociety.org.uk

The MS Society and Oak Furniture House

In June 2018, businessman Anuuj Kohli made a lifelong pledge to match donations to the MS Society made through his company, the UK's leading supplier of 100% solid hardwood furniture, Oak Furniture House.

A cause close to his heart – having been diagnosed with MS in May 2017 – Mr Kohli began the partnership by embarking on a social media campaign to encourage customers to donate alongside a purchase.

Mr Kohli said: “It took more than a few months to come to terms with my MS. And, If I’m honest, I’m not sure you ever fully come to terms with it.

“Since being diagnosed I have read a lot about MS, how it effects the person, family and all your loved ones – also what support is available. As I was doing my research I came across the MS Society and read a lot about the good work they do.

“As I run my own business I wanted to give something back to the MS Society and do something positive which will help the charity to reach out to more and more people with MS and also their loved ones.”

Empowering and supporting everyone living with MS

The MS Society provides a range of front line services designed to empower and support people affected by MS, maintaining their independence, quality of life and reduce social exclusion. This includes:

•     Financial assistance through our Grants programme, which has awarded over 1000 grants enabling people with MS and their carers to purchase vital equipment and living aids, such as home adaptations, wheelchairs and scooters.
•     World-class information and support, with the MS Library providing free access to publications on symptoms, treatments and practical issues, as well as information for carers, young people and MS professionals. Last year we distributed over 100,000 information resources.
•     Emotional and peer support through our Freephone Helpline and via 270 volunteer-led local support groups across the UK. In 2017, our helpline responded to over 18,000 enquiries.
•     Campaigning and influencing local and national policy (our campaigns community has over 25,000 members) to ensure the needs of people with MS are represented.

 Developing effective treatments

We’re also the biggest charitable funder of MS research in Europe, investing in the development of better treatments and care for people with MS everywhere. Since the MS Society was founded in 1956, we have invested over £155 million into MS research (in today’s money), which has been instrumental in achieving multiple research breakthroughs.

Our number one goal is to ensure that people with MS have access to effective treatments that can slow, stop or reverse the accumulation of disability, and we’re committed to driving progress towards this.

In 2018 we are significantly increasing our investment in medical research to develop life changing treatments through our Stop MS Appeal.  The MS Society and the scientific community believe that we are currently at a critical juncture in MS research and that with a dramatic increase in investment over 10 years, there is a genuine prospect to revolutionise treatment for everyone with MS. There has never been a more crucial time for investing in MS research.

It is absolutely vital that we continue to raise funds each year and every donation makes a difference. Together, we are strong enough to stop MS.