Small acts of care can make a big difference

Barbara: I’m 60 years old and was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 1994. I had a two-year-old daughter and really didn’t know anything about MS, so I joined the MS Society’s Leeds Group. There, I discovered the importance of community and connecting with others who understood exactly what I was going through, without me having to explain. 

We relocated to Derbyshire, where I had my son, and then to Hull in 2000. I’ve been involved with the Hull, Beverley and Holderness Group for 20 years. 

Craig: I was fortunate enough to retire from the motor trade at 58 after 40 years. But I then needed something to occupy my mind. My wife’s best friend, who has MS, said there was a volunteer role as a Driver and gave me the details. The rest, as they say, is history. I’ve been there for a year now and absolutely love it. I’ve met some amazing people and new friends.

Bringing people together

Craig: The main group runs drop-in groups in Hull, Paull and Goole. We’re starting to get busier now with more members, so two of our three minibuses are full every week. The third one will be required very soon, but unfortunately we’re struggling to find regular volunteers to drive and help with the members. We repeatedly advertise on social media, to no avail. 

Barbara: Over the years my MS has changed. I now have secondary progressive MS and have been in a wheelchair for 13 years. I’m lucky to have the support of a PA for five hours a day which helps me to attend the MS support group in Paull. The group needed a volunteer to lead it. I realised that my own experiences could help others facing the same journey, so I took on the role. 

This has given me a sense of achievement — from opening a new Facebook support group to organising raffles and quizzes. The group’s still small, so I’m trying to raise awareness about it on social media, and by putting up posters in and around the local villages. 

Raising vital funds

Craig: I started as a Driver/Helper but I’m also now part of the Coordinating Team. When I was put forward as a Fundraiser, I grabbed it with both hands. It’s an area that had been overlooked and was starting to impact funds. 

We’ve just had our first flag day at our local Morrisons, which went extremely well, raising over £400. We have another one booked in December and have recruited a local ukelele band to come along and play. I also organise a weekly quiz (and provide sausage rolls, cakes and biscuits for it), which is now part of every Tuesday and loved by all. 

Next year we have four people, including both my sons, running the Hull 10k for the MS Society, which I  hope will do very well. And we’ll be doing afternoon teas, and hopefully sorting a stall out, at local fetes and galas.

Barbara: I’m also part of the fundraising team and I’ve been given donations from Morrisons for our raffles. I’m waiting for Tesco to confirm a date that we can have a stand at the front of their store. I hope this will raise awareness about our group whilst raising much needed funds to support the MS Society in its vital work.

Jump in and check it out!

Craig: My greatest achievement is just being there for all the members and gaining their trust. I know most of them personally now and that’s the buzz — knowing I’m doing something good and making a difference in their lives is the greatest reward. 

I regularly chat with the members about their health to learn as much as I can about MS. They’re very forthcoming and honest about symptoms, so now I know a lot about a condition which I never really knew anything about. And I can have confidence in talking about MS if I’m asked. Honestly, I love it!

Barbara: Being a volunteer gives me purpose and connection. And it allows me to give back to the community that once supported me. MS may be challenging, but no one has to face it alone. 

Sometimes it’s about listening. Sometimes it’s about sharing a laugh. And sometimes it’s just about being there. Being able to support just one person at my group is invaluable. As a friend and supporter I may not always have the answers. But I can offer understanding, empathy, and time. We all need each other. And together, even small acts of care can make a big difference.

Craig: Anyone who’s thinking about volunteering should just jump in and check it out. I think you need to be a certain type of person to get the best out of it, but once you have it just gets better. I wouldn’t change my Tuesdays at all.

Find out more about volunteering with us