In 2023, our determined riders have cycled the beautiful landscapes of the UK, driven by a common mission: to make a meaningful difference in the battle against multiple sclerosis (MS). Through a series of charity cycling events, our cyclists and their generous supporters collectively raised over £50,000 for MS. These funds have been instrumental in supporting local MS Support Groups across the UK and in raising awareness for MS, contributing significantly to the broader mission of Bike the UK for MS.
Essential social support through MS Society groups
The MS support groups, an integral part of the MS Society, are local support groups for those living with multiple sclerosis across the UK. These volunteer-led groups are an essential part of enhancing the social networks of those living with MS. They also facilitate access to exercise classes and information to help manage their symptoms. With the needs of individuals and groups varying widely from person to person and location to location, the roles that these local support groups carry out are as diverse as the challenges of MS that they work to overcome.
Our journey since 2014 has involved supporting these groups in various capacities, such as the Bath and District group of the MS Society. Your hard earned fundraising has helped them deliver accessible cycling classes, provide transport for members to attend events and hold regular social meet ups at accessible sites such as Odd Down Sports Ground. These events are pivotal in reducing the isolation often experienced by individuals with MS.
Impact of Fundraising for MS: Enhancing quality of life
Social integration is a crucial part of managing MS and the work of the local support groups is essential to making this available to those living with MS in their area. Combined with exercise classes such as the adaptive cycling offered by All Cycle Bath & West, this is a stimulating and enjoyable experience for the members of the MS support group making a measurable difference to members’ quality of life.
Support in Rural Locations: A focus on accessibility
Following discussions with local MS groups of the MS Society Wales and MS Society Scotland, it is clear that those living with MS in rural areas face unique challenges. It is far more difficult and expensive for the MS support groups in these locations to be able to provide either transport or events that are close to all of their members.
With the introduction of our Lon Las Cymru ride in 2023 we were fortunate enough to get to know the local support group in Gwynedd/Ynys Mon. People living with MS in North Wales face the challenge of ensuring that support and activities are available in their first language – Welsh.
The role of MS Society fundraising in overcoming challenges
The current economic climate has underlined the significance of fundraising for MS. Like all UK charities, MS charities are not immune to ongoing rise in costs at the challenges faced to sustain day-to-day activities. The funds raised are crucial for sustaining the vital work of MS Support Groups and for continuing our efforts in raising MS awareness.
For Bike the UK for MS, the real fundraisers and stars of the show are you, our riders and alumni. You not only carry out your fundraising for MS, but also share the experience whilst riding across the UK with the members of the MS groups that you support at the meet ups during the trips.
Looking Ahead: Fundraising for MS in 2024
As we look to 2024, we are excited to continue our support through initiatives like the January #move4ms challenge. Our goal is to collectively cover 130,000 kilometers, one for each person in the UK living with MS, through various activities including biking, running and walking. Get involved with your own charity sports event, like sponsored walk ideas, as part of #move4ms in January.
Ride for MS in 2024 and join a Bike the UK for MS adventure. Find your route today!
Join us as we ride across Britain and fundraise for MS in 2024
