MSA Trust

Families and friends across the UK raise a cup for MSA

For immediate release: Tuesday 29 September 2015

On Saturday, 3 October 2015 (World MSA Day) people throughout the UK will be hosting their first Milk, Sugar and Tea Party to raise funds for the Multiple System Atrophy Trust (MSA Trust) charity.

Around 3,000 people in the UK have the rare neurological disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA), globally that’s around five for every 100,000.

MSA causes brain cells to shrink and leads to premature death. Symptoms include severe problems with multiple bodily functions. People with MSA often end up in need of 24/7 care, doubly incontinent, and in some cases unable to communicate, swallow or move. Some people with MSA say it ends up trapping them in their own bodies.

Most people get MSA in their fifties, though symptoms can occur earlier or later – there is no known cause or cure. The impact on the individual and their family and friends is devastating. Having MSA often causes loneliness and isolation as very few people, including health professionals have heard of the disease. It is also very complex and can take several years to diagnose.

The MSA Trust is the UK’s leading charity supporting people affected by MSA. It provides the services of three MSA Nurse Specialists, an email and telephone support service and it funds vital research to find the cause, and one day, cure for the disease.

Melissa Tindle, the MSA Trust’s Events and Community Fundraising Manager, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to all our members and supporters who are hosting their first Milk, Sugar and Tea Party. They enable us to continue being there for people affected by multiple system atrophy. The Trust relies entirely on voluntary donations and we are truly in our fundraisers’ debt.”

This is the first year the MSA Trust has initiated the Milk, Sugar and Tea Party campaign on World MSA Day. In future years the charity will be building on awareness raised this year.

―   ENDS   ―

Notes to editors:

To host a tea party, download the pack from our website or contact: fundraising@msatrust.org.uk, 0333 323 4591

Contacts:

Franca Tranza, Head of Communications, franca.tranza@msatrust.org.uk, 0203 621 1346, 0333 323 4591


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