Legend Boylan re-launches MS centre

The newly refurbished MS Therapy Centre in Trim was last Friday re-launched to celebrate their 20 years in existence and was renamed the North East MS Therapy Centre in recognition of the fact that people from all over the north-east are availing of its crucial services. It was 20 years ago following a major fundraising drive, that the centre opened its doors providing much-needed therapies and support for multiple sclerosis sufferers in the region. The centre was re-launched by former Meath football manager legend Sean Boylan, who cut the ribbon and a large group of MS sufferers and their families attended the event and listened to the speeches by centre manager Mary Murphy, Deputy Shane McEntee, as well as Mr Boylan. More than two decades ago, a group of MS sufferers got together and, after hearing how one sufferer had benefited from HBO therapy in Manchester, they decided to fundraise to open a centre in Meath. After fundraising for three years, the centre opened in 1988. On any given week, 45 people come through the doors of the centre and there are currently more than 217 clients on their books. Some people come for tea and a chat, while others avail of the various therapies that help in the management of their condition, according to committee member Angela Coyle. Ms Coyle, who also works in the centre, said it is a 'miracle' that the centre has survived 20 years and that it had done so on a 'shoestring'. Manager Mary Murphy explained that the same personnel that now work in the centre have been working there since it opened in 1988, indicating the level of commitment which these individuals have toward providing an exceptionally high level of service to those people attending the centre. 'The convenience of being able to avail of a number of different therapies within the centre reduces the pressure on people to make tiring separate journeys in order to implement a disease management programme. 'It is of the essence that people attending the centre should feel relaxed and receptive in an environment that is conducive to the evolvement of a new awareness and perspective on life,' she said. The people using the facility in the centre can avail of physiotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), nutritional advice, continence advice and professional counselling. In the majority of cases, people avail of the full range of therapies and implement them as part of an integrated disease management programme. The centre is also used for educational and social interaction purposes. Ms Murphy said that the assessment records kept on those engaging in HBO therapy show encouraging results and that the physiotherapist who devises programmes specifically tailored to individuals" needs reports great satisfaction with the progress and results gained. Ms Murphy paid tribute to those who attend the centre for their support and initiative in raising significant amounts of money over the years to enable the centre to continue and said these 'people should be applauded and acknowledged for their achievements'. She also said that the committee does not feel that the onus should be totally placed on people who work in a voluntary capacity to keep the centre operational and that they feel the centre should be receiving government funding. As a registered charity, no fee is charged for the services provided and the money required to run the centre is derived solely through fundraising efforts and donations. 'It must be said that the success of the centre cannot be doubted after 20 years in existence. Its influence on the quality of life of those using the facilities and their carers is of obvious significance. The dedication and commitment of the committee, staff and voluntary workers is fully evident at all times. 'Our goal must now be to further improve the services and facilities for those attending the centre and to assist as many people as possible in their management of multiple sclerosis,' said Ms Murphy.