National Park staff break fundraising record for Dumbarton Multiple Sclerosis Group

Each year the staff at the National Park Authority choose a charity of the year to support. Dumbarton and District MS Group was chosen for 2017/18 with staff organising a series of events and activities throughout the year including a ceilidh, a staff tuck shop, raffles and even using pedal power to raise money as staff took turns to cycle the 96-mile distance of the West Highland Way on a gym bike.

A cheque for the funds was presented to members of the Dumbarton and District MS Group at the National Park Headquarters in Balloch. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition which affects the nerves and causes the immune system to stop working properly.  It can be a very isolating illness as it causes a wide range of symptoms which affect people’s mobility and confidence and there is often a lack of suitable facilities to support sufferers.  The funds raised by staff at the Park Authority will help support local services in the area including providing holistic therapy to anyone within the MS community.

Sheena Rollo, from the Dumbarton and District MS Group, said: “We are totally overwhelmed by the hard work and generosity of staff and their family and friends at the National Park Authority.

“MS is a cruel disease and can have a devastating effect on families. With the money raised by the National Park Authority we are planning to offer a counselling service to those affected as well as their carers and family members. Some of our members will also be going on a horse riding taster session which will help improve their confidence.

“It has been an absolute pleasure sharing the last year with staff from the National Park and on behalf of everyone from the Dumbarton and District MS Group, I would like to say thank you very much.”

Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “The charity of the year is voted for by our staff. MS was clearly a cause that meant a lot to our staff – they always have lots of fun coming up with new and creative ways to raise money.  I am absolutely thrilled that this year staff went the extra mile and collected the highest ever amount for our chosen charity – it really is a fantastic achievement.

“Supporting local communities and organisations is an important part of the work of the National Park and I would like to thank all our staff for their fundraising efforts. I hope that the money raised will help Dumbarton and District MS Group continue to provide vital services and care to anyone affected by the disease.”

For more information about Dumbarton and District MS Group, contact Dumbarton@mssociety.org.uk or go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/MSDumbarton/