Short Breaks and Activities Fund – Dawn and Richard

Short Breaks and Activities Fund –

Dawn and Richard

Background

Dawn Gau is 40 and has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for half her
life. She was diagnosed with primary progressive MS when she was just 20
years old and was studying to be a nurse at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Dawn was unable to continue with her studies and within five years was
reliant on her wheelchair.

Condition and symptoms

Dawn lives in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire with her husband Richard who
is 82 years old and her primary carer. Dawn is now dependent on Richard’s
care and support as she is unable to do much for herself. She doesn’t have
control of her hands so Richard helps bath, dress and feed her. Dawn also
has Type 1 Diabetes so Richard gives her daily injections to control the
condition.

Once a week the couple receives three hours support from Crossroads Care,
which provides practical support for carers. Richard said, “This free time
benefits both Dawn and I, and gives me some time to do the shopping and
look after the garden. I also occasionally go sailing in my small sail boat and
even do a spot of windsurfing.”

Richard explains, “Dawn’s condition is deteriorating, but we both have such a
positive attitude to life and try and make the most of every day. Each week we
go to the MS Therapy Centre, which has a fantastic oxygen therapy tank and
a great physiotherapy unit, which really help Dawn. We also go swimming,
which gives Dawn a sense of freedom as she is able to swim on her back.”

MS Society Short Breaks and Activities Fund

Dawn and Richard have both supported the MS Society for a number of years
and Richard is now the Chairman of the Pembrokeshire branch. They have
found the information available from the MS Society invaluable. Richard says
“I was always searching for information about the condition and now as the
Chairman of our local branch I find it an excellent reference point when talking
to other carers and people with the condition.”

volunteers.mssociety.org.uk May 2013

“I first heard about the Short Breaks and Activities Fund through my work at
our local branch and knew it was something I should look into. We were keen
to stay at the Vitalise Centre Jubilee Lodge in Essex, so we could use it as a
base to explore London.”

Vitalise Centre Jubilee Lodge, Essex

Richard found the application process very clear and easy to follow. He said,
“I was delighted when I found out that both the Vitalise Centre and the MS
Society were able to help fund our trip.”

The Vitalise Centre Jubilee Lodge cares for people with all conditions and
Richard found it a great base for them to go and explore London.

“We met so many different people with different conditions during our stay and
we both got to learn a lot more about each other. We both felt very safe and
happy there, as we knew the care being provided was excellent. They
provided a fleet of coaches that could each accommodate six wheelchairs, so
we were able to explore London. As we stayed during the Queen’s Jubilee
week, we got to see the different boats on the river, the London Eye and we
also visited Windsor. Then in the evening back at the Centre entertainment
was provided with live music and we were encouraged to dance. The ladies
also had chance to get their hair and nails done. It really was fantastic and
Dawn loved it!”

Financing the trip

In total Dawn and Richard were able to secure financial support of £1,700 to
finance the break. This was provided equally through the MS Society Short
Breaks and Activities Fund and the Vitalise Centre Jubilee Lodge.

Richard said, “Holidays don’t come cheaply and I know we couldn’t have
afforded to go without the help of the grant from both organisations. We are
truly very grateful.”

“Undertaking an opportunity such as this does require effort and a lot does
have to come from the inner person. You need to be motivated and take a
positive attitude to life, but I really would like to encourage people to look into
the possibility of a Short Break and Activities grant as you really do have
nothing to lose and everything to gain!”

volunteers.mssociety.org.uk May 2013

Short Breaks and Activities Fund

People affected by MS can apply to the Short Breaks and Activities Fund for
help towards the cost of a short break. The fund is managed centrally by our
Grants teams in London and Edinburgh. Please contact your Grants team for
more information and to get an application form.

• Contact the Grants team in London on 020 8438 0700 or email
[email protected] (if you’re in England, Wales or Northern
Ireland)

• Contact the Grants team in Scotland on 0131 335 4050

volunteers.mssociety.org.uk May 2013