Hello, my name is Judith Morland, and I received my diagnosis of Primary Progressive MS in 2013, following several years of severe migraines, and worsening weakness in my legs. I live with my husband Tony in Broadstairs, we’ve been married for nearly 44 years, have three adult children and six wonderful grandchildren.

I call my MS my ‘retirement present’ as the diagnosis came a year after retiring from 38 years of nursing. I had suspected that I had MS for some time, so the diagnosis was somewhat of a relief, as it was then confirmation of the varying symptoms that I had been experiencing.

While waiting for my diagnosis, I had been researching what support might be available and this led me to the discovery of the MS Therapy Centre. (more…)

A sense of belonging

Gary Marsh

It was while working as an Economics and Business Teacher and Head of Department at a school in Folkestone that Gary first realised something wasn’t right.

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Primary Progressive MS

Tony Teed

Originally from Essex, Tony Teed and his wife, Kate, moved to Kent for Tony’s work in the print and direct mail industry. Real childhood sweethearts,

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Funny Gait

Helen Broadwell

Former Nurse, Helen Broadwell, is both a member and volunteer APS Therapist at KMSTC.
Helen’s own MS diagnosis came back in 2008 when a colleague of hers commented
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Oxygen Therapy for healing and pain relief

Caught up in a hijacking

At the age of 26 Catherine Hill’s life was changed forever in the most dramatic fashion. While on a trip with her then boyfriend, she found herself in the midst of a PLO (Palestine Liberation Organisation) plane hijacking.

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“‘Learn to adapt’ is my motto”

Inquisitive mind

Cecile Garrick may be a senior, as she puts it, but she most definitely still has a young, inquisitive mind.

“I was diagnosed with MS in 1992 and have been a member of KMSTC since 2015. I’ve tried not to let MS change my life completely, but there are times when it’s difficult. For example, fatigue means delegating jobs I used to do for myself. At first this was hard to accept but gradually I managed it… well almost.

‘Learn to adapt’ is my motto. One change I have made has been to take up pottery instead of fabric printing and designing clothes and soft furnishings as I used to. I donate much of what I make to KMSTC to sell in their shop. It keeps me active and helps me put something back.

I’ve tried not to let MS change my life completely, but there are times when it’s difficult.

“Even after several setbacks I try to keep busy at home and swimming a few times a week also helps.

“I am always busy learning and researching things online – I never thought using a laptop would become a hobby for me, but the internet is such an amazing tool.

“My husband and two sons help me a lot and my carers are much appreciated because without their help I would not be able to attend the lovely, friendly Kent MS Therapy Centre every week. Everyone at the Centre is so helpful and patient. I also have Oxygen Therapy which really helps with my energy levels and chronic pain.”

I became a member of the MS Centre in Canterbury in October 2015. I have suffered from MS since 1984 and although I have been fairly mobile over the years and have kept reasonably fit by swimming regularly, I wanted to be more proactive with my condition.

The centre is a wonderful place manned by dedicated volunteers and health professionals. It has multiple facilities including a well equipped gym with equipment modified for ms sufferers, a hydrotherapy pool and an Oxygen Therapy chamber. Excellent physiotherapists are on hand to advise and monitor the members and yoga, pilates and acupuncture are available. (more…)

“Focus on what you can do – not what you can’t”

Get the most out of life

Having lived with MS for 28 years so far, former antiques trader Sheila Steinberg, 65 from Herne Bay, says her stubbornness helps her get the most out of life.

“I was in my mid-30s when I noticed something might be wrong. Walking didn’t seem the same any more as my left leg started dragging slightly with each step. (more…)

Retired graduate chartered librarian Cate Jackson, 61 from Whitstable, has type-2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD, sleep apnea and osteo-arthritis as well as MS. Her secret? Always trying to “look on the bright side of life” as the Monty Python team expounded!

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Jo Dunk, 40 from Canterbury, was diagnosed with MS as a new mum in 2009. Refusing to let the condition define her, she battled chronic tiredness – and risk of a relapse – to have a second baby in 2011. (more…)

As a young person with MS the centre has made a real difference to my life. I love having a place to come that no one else in my life sees, but makes me feel normal and not labelled by the disease. It’s brilliant!

Diagnosed with MS seven years ago, KMSTC member Gilly Stowe, is 56 and lives in Herne Bay. She’s also a former trustee of KMSTC and was chairman of the voluntary fundraising group.

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