OVER the past two years the South West Multiple Sclerosis centre has grown in reputation as the focal point for the MS community in this area, for therapies, advice, information and support, that is second to none.

The centre is entirely self-funding and does not receive any financial backing from statutory bodies. We have had donations from trusts,

companies and of course individuals and this has helped us to continue to provide a service to the MS community in Devon and Cornwall that is the envy of many other regions of the UK.

Our centre fundraising team is continually looking at ways that they can assist us and we are extremely grateful for their support. Volunteers carry out much of the work at the centre and many of them are people with MS. This helps to give them an interest and purpose in life and a chance to work within a community that understands their day-to-day problems and needs.

We are now looking towards the year 2003 and ask the readers of the Okehampton Times, whether they are individuals, companies, shops, pubs, clubs or other organisations, to consider adopting the South West Multiple Sclerosis Centre as their ?charity of the year 2003?.

Remember we are a local charity helping local people and all money raised is spent in this area. This is your chance to really make a difference and to help us continue to provide a centre of excellence for people living with MS.

Visits to the centre and talks about our work can be arranged so please consider this request and if you are interested please contact me, Vic Gibbons (centre manager), either by giving me a call on 01392 447411 or by dropping in to the centre between 9am and 1pm (Monday to Friday).

Vic Gibbons

The South West MS Centre

West Grange

Clyst Heath

Exeter EX2 7EY