8 November 2013
On Wednesday 6 November a group of patients from the Bristol and Avon MS Centre (BrAMS) - based at Frenchay Hospital - completed the first six week programme of a pioneering course held at Gloucestershire Cricket’s BS7 Gym which has been designed to help them positively manage their illness.
The six week course, which commenced on 25 September, was the first of its kind in Bristol to be introduced to high ability people with MS. The course was designed to teach patients skills such as complex balance and movement in an environment where their individual needs were understood and cared for. For one participant, Roger Jones, the course enabled him to feel comfortable enough to go on and join BS7 Gym at a special discounted rate.
Roger said: “I have really enjoyed the weekly classes and have noticed an improvement in my balance not just at the gym, but at home too. I don’t want to lose the momentum I’ve gained and will continue to use BS7 Gym.”
Each patient is also being offered the chance to nominate a buddy to join the gym (also at a discounted rate) so they will have extra support to carry on with their exercise.
Remaining active is an important part of helping people to manage their MS and to help maintain their independence and stay in work for longer. MS can affect anyone but people are more usually diagnosed in their 20s and 30s. Samantha Jackson, another of the patients taking part in the classes, had her first relapse at just 24 years old.
The classes were led by MS Specialist Physiotherapist Tania Burge with the help of nurses from BrAMS and personal trainers from BS7 Gym.
“I’m delighted how the classes have gone.” Tania tells us. “The positive response from the patients has been really encouraging.
“In the lead up to the launch of the classes we spent time monitoring at what stage the patients were at with their MS. We will do the same at the end of each course so both the patients and ourselves can see how they’ve improved. I really believe taking part in classes like this can help MS patients everywhere manage their illness.”
Nathan Walsh – Business Development Manager for BS7 Gym and lead gym instructor for the BrAMS classes added: “It was a privilege to work with the BrAMS team. I met some amazing people during the first six weeks and I’m delighted that this initiative is to continue as the classes are proving to be effective in helping the patients in their everyday lives. I look forward to meeting and working with the next group who will embark on this programme.”
About MS
MS is the commonest disabling neurological disease of young adults. Over 100,000 people in the UK have MS and it affects over two million more through their friends, family and carers.
About BrAMS
Back in 2008 BrAMS was opened at Frenchay Hospital and is the first centre of its kind in the UK providing pioneering research, treatment and therapy for people with MS in the South West and beyond. The multi-disciplinary care and research team based at BrAMS has established the unit as a centre of excellence and is now recognised worldwide for its expertise and the development of new techniques.
To find out more information about the work of the BrAMS centre, visit www.brams.org.uk or contact the unit on 0117 340 2992.