FSH-MD Support Group UK

Yes, it was the Spring Get Together and 25th Anniversary Dinner.

If you weren't there the chances are you may have thought "Spring Mega Weekend Get Together", that's setting the bar pretty high. However, I was there with my wife Gill and I can report that the imaginary bar was well and truly cleared. The whole weekend was excellent with a very varied programme, something for everyone really. The Holiday Inn venue in Haydock seemed to suit everybody's needs very well and it was handy being so near to an M6 junction.

The weekend had a relaxed, unhurried feel which suited this particular FSH'er very well! Having the event spread over the weekend gave us all more time to get to know each other. For me personally, this was probably the highlight of the Get Together, having the time to chat to others, find out how they are coping with their lives and exchanging tips, thoughts, feelings, etc. The feeling of positivity that came from everyone I found very inspiring and I certainly took that away with me, it will help me in my own life.

The balance of activities was 'spot on'. Useful information from Nic Bungay on MD campaigning, telling us how successful it has been and how we can all 'get involved' in the future - fancy being a media star? Now's your chance!

Matthew Lanham from the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford gave us the low-down on what goes on there. Gill and I made a visit last year; it is an excellent facility and well worth at least one visit. It was interesting to hear that the biggest number of referrals to the NMC come from us FSH'ers.

Claire Kelleher from MDC gave us the chance to take 'The Wheel of Life' which showed us which areas of our lives we might want to address.

Image Consultant, Martine Alexander who advises 'the stars', gave us a fun presentation entitled 'Look Good & Feel Good'. This gave both females and male's tips on how to dress according to their particular body shape, to look and feel good about themselves. I now know what "Spanx" are!

Sue Manning (great surname!) a Specialist Neuromuscular Care Adviser with MDC, gave a very interesting, informative and thought provoking presentation on her role.

Outside of the main meeting room it was possible to view a range of wheelchairs, presented by Jennifer from Permobil, and a range of Active and Passive Therapy Exercise Equipment, presented by Pete from Medicotech. On the Saturday evening we had the special 25th Anniversary Dinner, yes our Support Group has been going for 25 years, since being first set up by Norman and Lorraine Jonas. The evening was great fun with good food, wine, conversation, raffle, silent auction, and live music from the very talented Robin Surgeoner and Georgie Edwards.

I can't thank Karen and the FSH Group Committee enough for arranging this weekend, especially at such a good value for money cost to each attendee. Also a big thank you to Louise Bayliss who did such a great job as MC for the weekend and kept us all smiling.

I shall look forward to attending another 'Mega Weekend' soon

Geoff Manning