"I was diagnosed with MS 18 years ago when I was 44 years of age. I was fortunate to have a very supportive wife and family of 2 daughters and a son.
Up until my diagnosis I had led a very active life both in employment, sport, and community activities.
At the time of my diagnosis I was running my own Landscaping and Gardening business. I was playing sport at a high level representing the NZ Masters Team for Inline Hockey as a goalie. My long involvement with Community Activities was expanded to include the Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis Society, of which I am the current President.
After the diagnosis my condition deteriorated quickly and found I had to use an electric wheelchair within 6 years.
I have a wide variety of symptoms including fatigue, spasms, weakness in my right arm, no ability to walk, spasticity, pain, and balance issues. Daily I have difficulty getting out of bed, transfers, getting dressed, showering, toileting, nerve pain, and fatigue.
By becoming involved with MS Marlborough I found additional support for myself and my family. Being an active member of the organisation has continued my involvement in the not-for-profit community sector. It gives me friends and colleagues who are on the same journey as I am. It gives me the opportunity to participate in exercise groups the MS Marlborough operates, (including falling out of my wheelchair into the local swimming pool), to undertake exercises in the water."
As an active member of MS Marlborough, I am given the opportunity to also be part of Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand who continue to advocate for more support, funding, and the adoption of new medications and treatments for people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Your donation, however, large or small, will very much help with the work we do in Marlborough."
About Us
“Your donation helps support people like myself living in the Marlborough region who have Multiple Sclerosis and who will benefit greatly from this support.” David
The Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis Society was incorporated in 1977 to provide support to people who have Multiple Sclerosis. In the mid 1990’s the local Parkinson’s group joined with us and we now trade as ‘Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Society’. We include people with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and other rare neurological conditions, who are resident in Marlborough.
The Society members are volunteers and they continue to provide this service to the community, both by giving their time to serve on the committee, and undertaking fundraising and other activities.
The Society has continued to develop, is a Registered Charity, and employs a Community Support Worker for 20 hours a week.
Having an employee means that the Society can maintain regular contact with our members.
Our services
Community Advisor Services
Educational Resources
Exercise Classes
Socialising Events
Support Groups
