Volunteer Stories

Meet Our Volunteers

Rachel, Support Group Helper

After my mum was given a possible diagnosis of MSA, my sister and I downloaded information from the MSA Trust website and signed up for the support group meetings. As luck would have it the Hertfordshire meetings are held at my local hospice, where I have been working for the last seven years up to my retirement. 

As I am also a volunteer for the hospice it was a natural step to offer to help Samantha, and now Anna, with serving refreshments for the support group. I enjoy the opportunity to talk to those attending during the coffee breaks about things other than MSA and about how the wider hospice service might be able to support a family on the MSA journey.

Initially I had so much to learn about MSA and how it impacts someone and their loved ones. As a volunteer I can see how my experience and extra pair of hands supports the specialist nurse with the practicalities of the group.

When I was a teacher I had parent volunteers help me, so I always think if anyone has some spare time, ask around and see where your skills and availability may be helpful. You learn new things while helping others which is particularly encouraging in retirement and keeps me feeling young!

Stella, Sarah’s Wood and Ambassador Volunteer

My story starts in 2010 when my husband Mike was diagnosed with MSA after 6 months of medical investigations. He was a police officer and member of police staff after his retirement. He also volunteered, raising money for various charities and driving busses his big passion. A fit, active and wonderful man, he died in 2014.

I quickly found the MSA Trust web site was a massive help, and we learnt about our local support group through that medium and our dedicated MSA Nurse Katie Rigg. So that’s how it started.

Amazingly we lived very near to Thoresby Estate, where the Sarah Matheson Trust (now MSAT) originated. Hugh Matheson, Sarah’s Brother, became a friend as we started volunteering to help with various events being held at Thoresby House and on the estate. We started the original tree planting, with tiny plants at the Summer Socials, to the larger saplings in the winter months. As I lived so close, I was often able to help greet and escort tree planters and their families to Sarah’s Wood, and be able to chat to them about our MSA journeys with understanding and compassion. I attended groups in the East Midlands Area to accept fundraising cheques and to speak about our journey. I also spoke at a farming exhibition at Thoresby which was an amazing event.

Volunteering is very important especially in the current financial climate, organisations would not exist without people giving up their time. Volunteering does “give back” but I find for me, it’s a great reason to go and do something, meet lovely people, and see life through others’ eyes. My experience with dealing with Mike’s MSA issues has allowed me to look at the proverbial Bigger Picture, and talk to people in a similar situation, giving advice if asked, but support when I can. Volunteering is extremely important, for your mental health as well as the people you are helping.

Dilys, Office Volunteer

I started volunteering because I knew someone who worked at the MSA Trust and I mentioned I was looking for some more volunteering work. This was something I had always done in some form in my career.

As an Office Volunteer, I gather together information for packs that go out to those who are ill, carers, family member and professionals. I also support fundraising events such as the London Marathon.

The best thing about volunteering is knowing that information is available to everyone, whether or not they have digital access. Also the support and inclusion from the team at the office is excellent.

My advice to anyone wanting to volunteer is Do It! Contact volunteer@msatrust.org.uk to ask about opportunities in your area. You will be able to support others and it’s a source of personal satisfaction.