THE Swindon Therapy Centre is looking for schools, pubs, shops and businesses to take on its £50 challenge to help those suffering with MS and other neurological illnesses.

It costs the charity, which helps people with MS with a range of physio, holistic and oxygen therapies not available on the NHS , more than £120,000 a year to run its self-funded centre.

Volunteers at the centre are hoping that as many people as possible will take up the £50 challenge to raise money any way they like.

Community fundraiser Laura Wilson said: “It is based on a lot of people raising a small amount of money – £50 between a group of people isn’t going to be that difficult to raise and we hope it will be fun to take part in too.

“At the same time, it helps us raise awareness of what we do at the centre.

“We are a local charity and MS is a condition that can affect anyone at any point in their lives, and I would encourage anyone to come by and see the centre for themselves. People feel very differently once they have been to the centre and seen everything we offer, especially meeting members and seeing the difference it can make to their lives.”

Kate Morison, 33, who lives near Lyneham, was diagnosed with MS at the age of 22.

She said: “I use the oxygen chamber at the centre about three times a week. I had a period when I didn’t come for a few months and my walking got progressively worse, so it definitely makes a difference.

“It is good because it gets me out – I can’t work anymore, which I don’t like, but this gives me something to do and it is great company.”

The centre, based in Westmead Drive, has celebrated the arrival of its 300th member and will hold a number of fundraising activities to coincide with National MS Awareness Week, which runs from Monday to May 6.

This weekend, members will be collecting donations at Sainsburys in Chippenham, holding a book sale at Nationwide and joining street collections in Purton, Cricklade, Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury on May 5.

On May 4 and 5, health and wellbeing open days will be held at the centre in conjunction with the Swindon Yoga and Massage Centre, now based upstairs in the same building. Everyone is welcome and there will be a range of demonstrations from hypnotherapy, massage, yoga and pilates, to tai chi, beauty treatments and children’s activities. For more information, visit www.msswindon.org.uk or call 01793 481700.