Making a difference, one jar at a time

With a long career in corporate finance, Robert had not envisaged he would become an inspiring fundraiser and award-winning marmalade maker!

In 2008, a Christmas card landed on the mat, it just happened to be an MS Trust Christmas card. From there Robert reached out to the charity seeking the answers to the multitude of questions about his beloved wife, Janis's progressing MS. Over the years as Janis’s main carer, Robert used the MS Trust helpline often, finding reassurance as, 

Through the information from the MS Trust, the couple learned about the advancements in treatments; options that just weren't there back in 1996 when Janis first received her diagnosis of primary progressive MS. It gave hope that the future for people living with MS was getting brighter. Robert and Janis appreciated the support of the charity and wanted to give back and help other families like them.

There began the story of Robert making a difference a jar at a time. From jam and bakes in Janis’s family cookbook, Robert raised £500 in his first year. Ever ambitious, Robert strived to raise more and hit £1,000 the following year. But marmalade was the breakthrough.

Developing his own recipe, Robert won ‘Gold’ not once, but twice at the ‘World’s Original Marmalade Awards’ and raised over £1,800 last year in produce sales.

Robert’s advice for any aspiring fundraisers,

Robert and Janis have inspired many people over the years and their friends and acquaintances give generously to the charity alongside the jars and bakes.

Robert never misses an opportunity to raise awareness of MS. It often serves as an icebreaker when meeting new people. He talks about his bakes, marmalade and fundraising efforts, which help to share their story and passion for supporting people living with MS and improving the future of MS care.

Sadly, in September 2022 Janis passed away and, in her honour, friends and family rallied to support in so many ways. Their kindness and generosity was overwhelming. Robert created a Much Loved tribute page where messages of condolence were left. Memories of Janis were shared and over £6,000 was raised for the MS Trust. All together in memory of Janis, over £20,000 was gifted to the charity.

Robert is a fantastic advocate for the MS Trust. He follows the progress in treatments and is hopeful for the future for people living with MS. However, he is very aware that there is so much that can be done to improve MS care and it motivates him to continue supporting the MS Trust in so many ways.