Leaving a Legacy of Hope
Our committed supporter and current Trustee of MSA Trust, Philip Morris reflects on his and his wife, Myra’s journey with MSA, and the incredible gift left in Myra’s Will for the Trust that enabled us to fund our Research Fellowship programme. We are ever so grateful for Myra’s generosity that builds hope for the future: that one day soon we will find the cause and cure for MSA. Thank you so much!
Tell us a bit about Myra’s MSA journey and how you came across the Trust?
I first met Myra in 1974, we were married in 1977 and have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.
She first encountered balance issues in 2019 followed by speech and writing problems and after seeing various consultants was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Her health issues proliferated and in 2021, Myra was finally re-diagnosed with MSA-C at which stage we contacted the MSA Trust.
What urged Myra to leave a gift in her Will?
From the start they (MSA Trust) were far more pro-active than other charities we had been working with, giving help and advice in all areas of concern from health to welfare. We attended meetings which we both found very beneficial. They were always on hand to discuss medical issues and offer advice on how to improve Myra’s quality of life. They have also helped me cope with understanding the challenges that carers like me have to deal with.
Therefore, it came as no surprise that when Myra was in the final stages of her life, she decided to include a Legacy in her will in the hope that it will benefit others in the search for the cause and cure for MSA.
Did Myra have any concerns about leaving a gift?
Myra did not have any concerns about the bequest to the MSA Trust in her will, she was determined to assist the charity which was very close to her heart.
If you would like help with including MSA Trust in your Will, get in touch with Tanya at fundraising@msatrust.org.uk or call the office on 0333 323 4591.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the blogs published on these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MSA Trust.
