Kent Region

Kent Annual Regional Conference 2009

1 November 2009 at the Ashford International Hotel

The theme chosen for this year’s conference was ‘Breaking Free’. Two inspirational talks provided an insight into personal experiences of living with MS.

This year’s conference was moved to the larger venue of Ashford International Hotel to cater for more delegates attending. 80 people turned out on a cold and very wet Sunday morning to hear the guest speakers:

Paul Bull is a volunteer with the MS Society and was diagnosed with MS in 1981. He is currently writing a review of non-clinical research on people with MS in the UK to be completed by April 2010. Paul’s talk was entitled 'Living with MS: fun and frustration in equal measure' and was a light hearted look at living with MS. Paul did not shy away from the topics that are often not spoken about.

Simon Laurens is a Paralympic dressage rider and member of the Team GB Performance Squad. He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in November 2004. Simon is the third member of his family to be diagnosed with MS (Simon’s mother has MS as did his grandmother).

Simon talked about how he thought his riding career would come to an end when he was diagnosed with MS but he was introduced to the world of para dressage. Simon took part in the 2008 Paralympics winning a Silver medal and Team Gold medal. Delegates were delighted to have the chance to ask him about his experiences and also to be able to hold and look at the medals. Simon spoke of the highs and lows of living with MS and enthralled the audience with his wonderful humour.

The following comments were made about the speakers on the evaluation forms:

• Again - good speakers.


• Both speakers were engaging and entertaining - excellent.


• Simon was wonderful, very, very good.


• Dr Bull is a wonderful inspirational and humorous speaker.


• Dr Paul Bull was an excellent speaker, I could have listened for another hour at least!


• Simon Laurens - very interesting, never knew it involved so much, as they say you learn something new every day.


• Paul Bull demonstrated how one can have a life with MS.


• Excellent speakers with very individual stories. I found it fascinating and inspiring, funny too.


• Speakers were very interesting and informative and Dr Bull was very straight and to the point. Both speakers were great, thank you.


• Interesting contrast of coping in different careers. Good to hear the sportsman take on MS and how it is possible to excel even with, or specially because of MS. Inspiration to everyone.


• Very honest and interesting.


• Very inspirational speakers. Simon was terrific, he should be invited back.


• Very interesting and frank account of living with MS by Paul Bull.

There was also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of one of our regional volunteers. A Shining Star was presented to Dermot Drysdale who had been Treasurer for the Region. A surprise visit to the Tunbridge Wells & District branch social in October by Regional volunteers, Sylvia Martin, Vicci Chittenden. Paul and Rita Baillie had been filmed and an extract was shown at the Conference giving delegates the opportunity to see Dermot receive his Award. Dermot and his wife Heather were unable to attend the conference as they were out of the country.

Paul Baillie gave an overview of the activities in the region for the past year and Gill Purnell, Service Development Officer, talked about the work being done in health and social care.

Family Focus Day

Thank you to all who attended the Kent Region Family Focus Day at the Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, Ashford on Saturday 6th June 2009, and especially to those who provided feedback on the event to the Regional Team.

The day was a great success, providing a rare opportunity to discuss the highs and lows of family life for those living with MS. Read more about the day by clicking here.