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Leeds multiple sclerosis therapy centre bounces back
It suffered a double-flood washout - but a crucial Leeds charity has bounced back to be better than ever.
The West Yorkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, based in Rawdon, was hit badly by last year's soggy summer.
Large numbers of people with MS rely on the charity for therapy, and can choose from a range of treatments such as state-of-the-art oxygen chambers, reflexology and counselling.
But over ten days last June, the centre was flooded twice, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and forcing it to close its doors.
That closure saw a huge push from staff, patients and volunteers, supported by local businesses, which meant just three months later the charity was up and running.
Manager Joanne Goodwin said: "During the flood, we were literally up to our knees in it, and the 'it' was unpleasant stuff. It wasn't just water, it was effluent. It seemed like it had got everywhere.
"We managed to get a lot of things out of the way, but any equipment that had been touched by the flood water had to be thrown away and replaced. We lost a lot of the wooden physio kit, all the skirting boards had to come off because we didn't know what might have got stuck behind there."
Joanne said the centre's close-knit, supportive atmosphere helped everyone through the fallout from the floods.
She explained: "We did a lot of the work ourselves, people were determined that we should be open as quickly as possible.
"It was a proud moment for everyone when the work was finished, and we would like to thank everyone who helped, including all the businesses who gave us time or materials free or at cheaper rates."
Donations included wallpaper, paint, wood, the use of and furniture.
Modine, a company which bought out Airedale Air Conditioning, gave the centre the use of vital drying machines, needed before any repair work can begin.
Way back in 1982, Airedale answered a newspaper article request by MS patients who needed the use of a building to house oxygen chambers. The company got involved as a board member had a relative with MS.
Joanne added: "We can't cure MS but we can alleviate symptoms. If there was one good thing to come from the floods it was that the time away made our members realise just how much benefit they get from the oxygen."
* For more details about the centre's work, and to see which businesses helped out in the wake of the floods, visit: www.mstherapy.org.uk
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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