Dear all,

Thank you for taking your precious time to visit our fundraising page.

My husband Clemens and I are up to skydiving in order to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. The skydiving event will happen on 20 July and in the meantime we kindly ask you to contribute to a good cause.

What is MS? MS is considered an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord). The central nervous system contains nerve fibers which are normally surrounded by a fatty, insulating substance called myelin. This insulating sheath is of fundamental importance, ensuring proper transmission of signals. Unfortunately, the immune system in people suffering from MS mistakes myelin for a foreign body and initiates a response that leads to its very destruction. This results in a gradual degrading of the nerves’ ability to transmit signals to their destination, for example to a group of muscles. Almost any neurological symptom can appear with the disease, and although affecting everyone differently, the disease often leads to physical and cognitive disability. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms occurring either as discrete attacks (relapsing forms) or accumulating over time (progressive forms). Symptoms may be completely absent in-between attacks, but permanent neurological deficits often occur- especially as the disease advances.While some of the symptoms can be managed and so-called “relapses” can be reduced, at present there is no known cure for MS.

How can research help? There is actually the bright side of the story and its name is – research. The truth is that only scientific research can lead to finding a cure or better treatments, as breakthroughs in treatments have shown in the last 15 years. Unfortunately, there are still many questions whose answer requires a tremendous effort. At present, there are about 70 research world class ongoing projects that are financed by the MS Society! Could there be results among these projects that lead to deeper insight into the disease and improvement of treatment? You can contribute to answer this question by helping to maintain a sufficient flow of funds. How can you help? You may contribute by donating few pounds to our cause. Even a few pounds would make a big difference and every penny will reach the MS Society! So, please contribute few pounds -if you can! JustGiving donating site is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving and your money will be sent directly to the charity. If you are an UK taxpayer, Gift Aid will be reclaimed on every donation you make.

Thank you in advance!

Tijana and Clemens