Latest personal stories
We have spoken to thousands of people living with MS over the last 30 years, here are a small selection of their stories.
In 1993, Chris Jones, who lives with MS and her good friend Jill Holt, whose mum and aunt both had MS, decided enough was enough.
They founded a small charitable trust, realising people with MS needed to feel more in control of their condition. Their goal was to provide information, support, and hope to people with multiple sclerosis.
That charity was the MS Trust.
They had big ambitions, sending an MS information pack to every neurologist in the UK. Over 30 years later, MS care is a very different landscape, but Chris & Jill's promise remains the same.
We will always put people with MS at the heart of everything we do, delivering MS expertise from every angle, for every day.
MS Trust timeline
1993
The MS Trust is founded.
1993
The MS Trust, originally the MS Research Trust, is founded by Chris Jones and Jill Holt.
1995
Our first publication is sent out.
1995
Our first publication, The MS Information Pack, is sent out to every neurologist in the country.
1997
We host the first MS Trust Conference.
1997
We host the first MS Trust Conference for health professionals working in MS.
1998
The MS Trust helpline is launched.
1998
We launch the MS Trust Helpline Service, supporting thousands of people each year.
2000
We run the first foundation training course for MS nurses.
2000
We run the first foundation training course for MS nurses wanting to improve their knowledge.
2002
We help set up the MS Risk-sharing Scheme.
2002
We help set up the MS Risk-sharing Scheme, which enabled people with MS to access disease modifying drugs on the NHS.
2006
We conduct the first audit into the state of MS services in the UK.
2006
Working with the Royal College of Physicians, we conduct the first audit into the state of MS services in the UK.
2007
Move it for MS with Mr Motivator is launched.
2007
Move it for MS DVD with Mr Motivator is launched, this continues to be popular today.
2008
Our Sex and MS: a women’s guide, wins a BMA Patient Information Award.
2008
Our Sex and MS: a women’s guide, wins a BMA Patient Information Award.
2012
The GEMSS project begins.
2012
The GEMSS project, which generates evidence for the value of MS specialist nurses begins.
2015
We take over the MS Decisions disease modifying drugs comparison tool and rebuild it.
2015
We take over the MS Decisions tool from the National Hospital and rebuild it, making it easier for people to understand the options they have in disease modifying drugs for MS.
2017
We appoint the first MS Trust-funded specialist nurse.
2017
We appoint the first MS Trust-funded specialist nurse.
2018
We appoint the first Advanced MS Champion.
2018
We appoint the first Advanced MS Champion.
2020
The Covid-19 pandemic hits.
2020
The Covid-19 pandemic hits the UK. Working remotely, we keep our helpline open, to provide essential information for people living with MS during this time of uncertainty.
2021
Our nurse mapping survey shows large shortages of MS healthcare professionals in the UK.
2021
Our nurse mapping survey shows there are still large shortages of MS healthcare professionals in the UK.
2022
Our Advanced MS Champion project show savings to the NHS of over £465,000 annually per site.
2022
Results from our Advanced MS Champion project show savings to the NHS of over £465,000 annually per site.
2023
The MS Trust turns 30!
2023
The MS Trust turns 30! An ongoing schedule of new publications and a second wave of Advanced MS Champions is planned for this year.
2024
We merge with MS Research, Treatment and Education
2024
By merging with MS Research, Treatment and Education. The MS Trust will now expand its offering to include research.
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We couldn't do it without you
Providing expert, linked-up support for people with MS and health professionals have always been at the heart of MS Trust.
We're here for you and anyone else affected by MS with open hearts and open ears.
If you are able to give, your support helps us continue to be there for everyone affected by MS, every single day.