PRESS RELEASE
LOCAL COMPANY HELPS THE MERLIN MS CENTRE BE THE ONE TO WATCH
March 7th, 2014
A leading Cornish electrical store has kindly donated a large flat screen TV to the Merlin MS
Centre, based in St.Austell, to support therapy services at the Charity. The Liskeard branch
of H.B.H Woolacotts heard about the need for a TV and wasted no time in helping the
centre, as it will provide direct help to people with MS and other neurological conditions.
Shelley King the Respite Manager for the centre said, “This invaluable piece of equipment
will give the service users the opportunity to play on our Wii and use other therapeutic
programs, enabling them to improve their balance, co-ordination and work on upper limb
range of movement and function. This will further develop their abilities to participate in
functional, everyday tasks and improve/maintain their independence.”
In addition to the physiotherapy department, the daily respite service will enjoy the new
donation. The service enables individuals to gain new skills; improve social interaction, selfconfidence; and reduce depression and isolation through a range of activities including
therapies, exercises, workshops, outings, lunch and rest periods. The TV will allow the users
to develop their social interaction and a sense of team spirit.
“As a charity, the Merlin Centre relies heavily on donations of time, money and goods from
local people and businesses so we really cannot thank H.B.H Woolacotts enough,” said Mel.
Peter Lonsdale, Liskeard Branch Manager said, "We were approached by the Merlin
MS Centre explaining that they were in need of a flat screen television to help the service
users., After hearing what great work they do at the centre, we were more than happy to
help by donating a television which I'm sure will benefit the centre and enable them continue
the great work they do"
The Merlin MS Centre in Hewas Water between Truro and St. Austell, provides expert
therapies, support and information for people whose lives are affected by a range of
neurological conditions, particularly Multiple Sclerosis, but also Parkinson’s, Stroke, and ME.
It costs more than £300,000 per year to run its services, but receives no Government
funding so relies on donations, fundraising and income from the hire of its conference rooms.
Ends
Contact Details Ruth Beadle Merlin MS Centre 01726 885530
ruth@merlinmscentre.org.uk
Picture caption – from left to right – service users Nick and Len; David Beadle from HBH
Woolacotts; Shelley King Respite Manager and Lisa Miners Respite Assisstant.
About The Merlin MS Centre – Cornwall’s only Multiple Sclerosis therapy centre supporting
people with MS and other neurological conditions offering a range of treatments, therapies
and support. It sees around 60-to 70 people a day and provides subsidised treatments and
therapies at its centre in mid-Cornwall. It receives no Government funding and therefore
relies on donations, fundraising and income from the hire of its conference facilities to
support its work.