The History of Sarah’s Wood
In 2017, the Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Trust celebrated 20 years of supporting people with MSA.
In May 1997, Sarah Matheson, who had been diagnosed with MSA in 1993, and a group of close friends met to discuss the possibility of establishing a support group for individuals diagnosed with MSA. This meeting laid the foundation for what would become the MSA Trust.
On June 13, 2017, we inaugurated Sarah’s Wood as part of our activities to commemorate two decades of support and research by the Trust. Hugh Matheson, brother of our founder Sarah Matheson, envisioned Sarah’s Wood as a symbol of the hope and support the MSA community can provide for one another. Located in Thoresby Estate, Nottinghamshire, in the heart of Sherwood Forest, Sarah’s Wood stands as a lasting emblem of hope for all those affected by MSA. The opening of the wood was a testament to this vision. Click on ‘attend a Tree Planting event’ below to find out more information.
On July 21, 2018, we hosted a summer event at Sarah’s Wood, graciously invited by our Trustee, Hugh Matheson. During this event, we unveiled a new sign to help visitors locate Sarah’s Wood and learn more about MSA. The afternoon featured tea and cake at Hugh Matheson’s residence, and discussions about the future of the Wood.
In 2019, we launched a project reflecting the journey of everyone battling MSA: the Path to a Cure. This path, leading directly to Sarah’s tree, is constructed of engraved bricks bearing the names of members of our MSA community. We hope the Path symbolizes our collective effort in researching a cause and ultimately finding a cure for this devastating disease. As more people join the cause, the Path will grow longer, more diverse, and far-reaching. Click on the ‘Path to a Cure’ below to find out more.
In 2022, the Multiple System Trust celebrated 25 years of supporting people with MSA.
In 2023, we hosted our largest Tree Planting event to date, welcoming over 120 members and planting more than 250 oak saplings. It was a special day where members of the MSA community could connect with each other, meet our staff and the Thoresby foresters, and plant trees in memory or support of their loved ones. We aim to plant more oak saplings and expand Sarah’s Wood, creating a haven for reflection and remembrance for years to come. As more saplings are planted, the woods will continue to grow, becoming a lasting symbol of hope for the MSA community.
In 2023, the MSA Trust was chosen as the charity partner for the prestigious Cereals event, a prominent farming exhibition held at Thoresby Park. We hosted a stand in the heart of Sarah’s Wood, surrounding Sarah’s tree. This incredible fundraising opportunity raised over £30,000 and allowed us to raise awareness about MSA to an audience of 20,000 people who were previously unfamiliar with the condition.