UK registered charity No. 228634. | Registered company No. 795584
Our Team
It’s the people who make us
At MSRRF, our team provide a comprehensive range of services designed to support individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis. Our services include physiotherapy, tailored fitness and exercise programs, complementary therapies, outreach initiatives, and grants for financial assistance. We understand the challenges that MS can pose, and our goal is to empower you to live a fulfilling life.
Our
Story
The team at MS Research and Relief Fund is made up of a core number of managers and administrators that keep the charity running day to day behind the scenes. At the front of the charity you'll meet a number of therapists and personal trainers; each with their own set of skills and expertise. Operations were moved to the North East in the 1980’s and MS Research and Relief Fund arrived at its current home of Benmar House, Morpeth, in 2002 – offering personal training, complementary therapies and exercise classes. Then in 2023, South Side House was opened to provide free physiotherapy and access to state of the art equipment.
Our team has expanded over the last 12 months allowing us to offer more free appointments across two sites and continue our vision nationally.
Charity Trustees
Our Board of Trustees bring a wealth of experience and expertise, helping guide MSRRF’s direction and ensure the charity continues to make a meaningful difference for people affected by MS.
Paul Atkinson
Chairman
Barbara Ellis
Trustee
Margaret Sharp
Trustee
Nicola Young
Trustee
Kevin Carr
Trustee
Peter Dawson
Trustee
Charity Team
The behind the scenes super team.
Our team help keep this national charity running throughout the year.
Charity Manager
Diane Charlton
Superpower: I have the Patience of a Saint.
Favorite Charity Memory: Our Charity Ball at Close House.
Fun Fact: I am terrified of Sunflowers.
Assistant Charity Manager
Amy Dunn
Superpower: The Snack Whisperer: Can always find the last biscuit in the office kitchen.
Favorite Charity Memory: Completing the Great North Run.
Fun Fact: I watered the office plant for 3 years, telling everyone it was flourishing, only to be told it was plastic.
Fitness and Therapy Team Lead
Deborah Davidson
Superpower: Hosting party's and corned beef pie.
Favorite Charity Memory: Getting to the top of mount Snowden with 3 service users in their wheelchairs and getting the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill.
Fun fact: I love camping, country music, and hiking.
Appointments Co-Ordinator
Gillian Blythe
Superpower: Both at work and at home I am known for to be the “spider catcher” who rescues spiders and helps them move to a nice place outside.
Favorite Charity Memory: Standing at the top of Hartside Pass and cheering on our own staff, service users and their families and friends on their Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge 2019 in aid of MS Research and Relief Fund….wow what amazing people.
Fun Fact: I love just being a “Nanna” and having great adventures. I love to keep in touch with friends with meals in and meals out. I love to sing … but know I cannot hold a note.
Housekeeper
Wendy Dunn
Superpower: Retired mental health nurse juggling part time work, three grandchildren and a puppy during the school holidays!
Favorite Charity Memory: Seeing Southside House, both during and after refurbishment and watching service users benefitting from services across both sites.
Fun Fact: dab hand at parking....if I have 3 empty spaces and can drive in forward on a slant.
Fundraising and Marketing
Rebecca Earle
Superpower: Creative ideas and Canva (and occasional emergency IT technician).
Favourite Charity Memory: Getting the first grant approval letter and seeing through the implementation of appointment booking software.
Fun Fact: Rebecca shares her home with five dogs so is the resident go to dog question answerer!
Current Patrons
We’re proud to have the support of our Patrons, who help champion MSRRF, raise awareness and share the work we do with wider audiences.
Dr Martin Duddy
Consultant Neurologist at the RVI's Neurosciences Centre
Mrs Anne Wafula Strike MBE
British Paralympic Wheelchair Racer.
Dr Joe Guadagnoe
Consultant Neurologist specialising in multiple sclerosis and white matter disease
Mrs Marjorie Walker
Current Patron
Mr John Pryce Jones
Current Patron
Mr Derek Wright
Head physiotherapist for Newcastle United Football Club (retired)
Past Patrons
The founder Robert Walker’s work attracted the attention of these well-known figures during the 1970s, and they went on to become patrons of the charity.
Bing Crosby
American singer and actor
Sir Ralph Richardson
English actor
Sir Michael Redgrave
English actor and theatre director
Sir Norman Wisdom OBE
English comedian, actor and singer
Eric Sykes CBE
English comedian, actor and writer
Sir Alec Guinness CH CBE
English actor
Let’s Work Together
Although we aren't actively hiring we are always looking to grow with the right people. If you are interested in working with us then drop us a message.