England council

Our council members in England are ambassadors and advocates for people affected by MS across the UK. They are responsible for the overall direction of the MS Society in England.

During 2012, the Council will meet on the following dates:

• Tuesday 10 July (Birmingham)
• Wednesday 3 October (Leeds)
• Saturday 8 December (Heathrow)

Meetings are open to members – you just need to register at least two weeks in advance by contacting englandcouncil@mssociety.org.uk or 020 8438 0807.

Meet the council members

• Debbie Alexander
• Geoff Brittan
• Joan Collacott
• Simon Cox (vice chair)
• Cindy Fischer 
• Ken Johnson (chair)
• Jim McGown
• John Pitt 
• Ray Scott
• Sarah Schol
• Rosemary Tocock
• Nikki Young

Debbie Alexander

“I was diagnosed with MS in 2006. I am passionate and enthusiastic, with an eye for detail, and fortunately employed by a supportive company. I have written tenders and won awards on behalf of my employer and feel that I am well placed to help the Society continue its essential work.

I regularly fundraise for MS charities and have spoken at MS Awareness Days. I am an active member of an online support group for women with MS. I believe the connections I have made with many people with MS help me understand the diversity of need and provide creative solutions to overcome barriers.”

Geoff Brittan

“In my role as branch and area chair in north Somerset, I’ve come to realise how much support and comfort people affected by MS get from the Society. It’s vital that we make sure that our efforts are directed towards what people affected by MS need.

It’s incredibly satisfying to listen to the comments and thanks of those who’ve been involved in an event organised by the Society, or benefited from other types of help.”

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Joan Collacott

“I’m really impressed by how ambitious the MS Society is in delivering a wide range of services and financial help to people affected by MS, both nationally and locally.

I had a long career in nursing and management, and I wanted volunteer for a charity that supports people with MS.

The Society’s strength lies in the fact that it’s led by hard working volunteers at all levels. It means it can reach out and support people with MS in the best way.”

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Simon Cox​

I have had MS for 30 years and my working life has been in the Construction Industry. My Volunteering for the Society started about 17 years ago only in a small way and then becoming a branch committee member, Vice Chair and then Chair.

From being Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber region I have taken a seat on the England Council. I am always working hard for PWMS to have a fulfilled and active life and wherever possible remove barriers and reinforce the work of the society. I enjoy my work as a volunteer as I feel part of a family that has to help each other and solve problems to make the most of life.

As an England council member I hope to help shape the future of how services are provided in England by the Society and Health and Social care. I feel an important role will be a conduit between members and branches views to the Council and Trustees.

Cindy Fischer

“I wanted to be on the England Council because I have a friend who has MS and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to an organisation making a difference to the lives of people affected by MS.

I have a Master’s dregree in Social Work and twelve years’ experience in the charitable and public sectors. I have managed staff and volunteers, and developed strategic alliances to ensure the success of programmes. For six years I was employed with a community-based hospice. I hope my knowledge can influence the need for a continuum of care from diagnosis through to end of life. “

Ken Johnson

“My step father has MS, so I joined the MS Society to make a difference to people with MS. I began as a Branch Chair, moved to Regional Chair in 2007, finally becoming a member of the National Council for England in 2011.

I have found involvement in the Society extremely rewarding, and have made many valued and respected friends across the country. I am continually impressed by the talent and ingenuity shown by people affected by MS who are helping to change public attitudes towards MS.

Our challenge ahead is to make the National Council for England a respected and effective part of the MS Society’s organisation. We need to translate the MS Society strategy into effective action and benefits felt by people affected by MS across England.”

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Jim McGown

“My daughter was diagnosed with MS in 2001, following her first ‘episode’ in 1999. Having followed her progress in coping with the condition, I joined the MS Society to help others and became a volunteer with the Kettering Branch, assisting with fundraising and publicity.

I am confident that my experience in project management, sales and marketing, financial services, and running my own recruitment business, has equipped me with the skills to add value to the role of England Council member.”

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John Pitt

"I became a volunteer and eventually chair of the Hereford branch after my wife was diagnosed with MS in 1995. I felt helpless when my wife was diagnosed and turned to the Society for help in trying to understand the illness. Being involved with the society makes me feel that a volunteer can have a voice at the forefront of what the Society does, and what can be achieved together.

I come from a background of working in both the private and public sector. Most of my career was spent working as a senior manager for a County Council.

Outside our circle of friends connected with MS we have some very close companions and often get asked why I get involved so much. Apart from the stock answer of ‘nosiness’, I say ‘because I can’. I can make a difference, I can support people, I can make my wife laugh and its great for me to see a smile on someone's face because I have put it there. 

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Ray Scott

“My main reason for joining the MS Society was that two close friends and my wife were all diagnosed with MS. One friend passed away due to the illness after about 3 years.

I enjoy volunteering with the MS Society because it fulfils a wish to give something back to society in general.  You get to meet all types of people, who are full of courage in the way they live their lives. 

In addition to this, I have learned a great deal being a carer to my wife. Daily I watch her try to live a normal life as a housewife and overcome her symptoms of MS.”  

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Sarah Schol​

“My mother bravely battled MS for over 25 years until she sadly passed away in 2010. Having seen and lived with the effects of this destructive condition, I am passionate about finding a cure.

Through my work as a senior HR professional, I have extensive experience in working with diverse teams to create and lead business strategy and implement large projects. I will listen to members and those affected by MS, bringing an unbiased view and the ability to think creatively and practically to generate the interest and revenue required to deliver the right solutions with the greatest return on investment.”

Rosemary Tocock

“I enjoy volunteering as I wanted to give something back for the help and support the Society gave my husband and I when we needed it.”

“I became involved in the Society more than 30 years ago when my husband was diagnosed with MS. The local Branch and the Society was most supportive. Since his death eleven years ago, I have become more involved both at Branch and Region level.

My role as a local Branch chair has enabled me to help people affected by MS live a better life - people with MS still want to live life to its fullest. Being involved at the “coal face” has given me a good understanding of the effects and consequences of MS which I am confident will help my role on the England Council.

 I also have made some great lifelong friends.

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Nikki Young

“I have worked as a social worker/manager in children’s services for 17 years with my diagnosis of secondary progressive MS with me all the way.

Life lived in a power chair has helped me see the world around people with MS in so many different ways, and experience the ups and down of MS at high speed and a sense of humour.

I have always fought hard to stay working, to stay involved and to contribute to the loud voice for MS. As a politics graduate, campaigning for disability equality means everything to me and to MS friends. I have been a volunteer for twenty years or more with a number of organisations.”

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