Est. 1964
Supporting people affected by Multiple Sclerosis for over 60 years.
The Charity was founded in 1964 by Robert Walker, a person with MS, as the Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund to overcome a lack of knowledge and awareness about the disease. The MS Research Fund was incorporated as a charity in 1969 and by this point had already raised £50,000 to fund medical research into Multiple Sclerosis.
​
By the 1970s, Walker’s work had caught the attention of several famous names, such as Bing Crosby, Sir Michael Redgrave, Eric Sykes, Sir Ralph Richardson, Norman Wisdom and Sir Alec Guinness, all of whom went on to become patrons.
​
Robert worked tirelessly for the charity until his death in 1977 at the age of 46. Since this time, staff and trustees have continued Robert’s vision, significantly expanding the work carried out to help as many people affected by MS as possible.
​
In the 1980’s the charity relocated its administrative base from Cheshire to the North East of England before changing its name in 1999 to the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund to more accurately reflect its work.
​
In 2001, MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF) along with MS Society launched a programme to pilot and evaluate four different models of physiotherapy services for people with MS in the North of England.
Following the pilot and evaluation, MSRRF has over the years developed, funded and sustained a comprehensive fitness and therapy service, FREE of charge for people with MS in the North of England.
​
2002 saw another relocation, with the charity shifting its primary centre of operations from South Shields to Benmar House in Morpeth, where it remains to this day. The main facilities centre at Benmar House are complemented by Outreach programs stretching from Durham to Berwick and many in between.
The charity has also initiated its grant making activity, aiming to strengthen support to people throughout the entire United Kingdom whose lives were affected by MS outside that offered by statutory bodies.
​
A substantial legacy gratefully received in 2017 enabled the charity to look at developing its services further. Following a lengthy consultation process with its service users, the charity purchased and renovated a building in North Seaton.
​
South Side House provides free physiotherapy for people with MS. The Alter G Anti Gravity Treadmill is a game changing piece of kit unlike anything else available in the county.
​
​
Our Timeline
1964
1969
1970 - 1977
1977
1980
1999
2001
2002
2017
2019
2025
Founded by Robert Walker as the Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund.
Officially incorporated as a charity, already raising £50,000 for MS research.
Attracted prominent patrons, including Bing Crosby, Sir Michael Redgrave, and more.
Robert Walker passed away, but his vision lives on through staff and trustees
Administrative base moved from Cheshire to the North East. and trustees.
Name changed to Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund.
Pilot program launched to evaluate different models of physiotherapy.
Primary centre hub shifted to Benmar House in Morpeth.
South Side House is purchased and renovations begin.
MSRRF maintain service provisions for its users throughout the Covid Pandemic.
The Pashler Physiotherapy Centre will be officially opened.
Our Morpeth centre offers physiotherapy, personal training, complementary & sports therapies and exercise classes throughout the week whilst our North Seaton centre provides tailored physiotherapy sessions using state of the art equipment. On average we are able to offer more than 150 free appointments every week across these two sites, with additional free services available via our outreach venues and group visit options. Nationally, we continue to provide grants for aids, adaptations, equipment and services to people affected by MS.
Purpose of the Charity
MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF) is a UK registered charity established in 1964 to provide a range of services to people whose lives have been affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Our Vision
To actively involve all people in improving the quality of life of people affected by
Multiple Sclerosis.
Our Mission
Working with Service Users to make the best possible use of funds entrusted to us towards improving the quality of life of people affected by Multiple Sclerosis, and by researching potential advancements in our knowledge and treatment of the condition.
Our Mission
Good and responsible stewardship. Transparency across the board. Participation
across the board. Treating everyone equally as individuals. Honesty. Mutual trust.