WHO ARE WE?

A York based charity set up to help people with multiple sclerosis and similar neurological conditions to have a short break whether as a holiday or respite - we see little difference as we believe a change of environment and scenery helps everyone. This help is also extended to carers.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Help arrange holiday breaks. We have a number of preferred locations with which we deal.

Provide financial support. This can be for holidays booked through us or holiday breaks arranged by the individual at their preferred location. Grants are on a sliding scale depending on the type of holiday/short stay being booked.

If we can complete a journey within a standard working day, we will collect and transport individuals to their holiday location without charge. And, of course, we transport them home at the end of the holiday break.

We now also take individuals and groups on day trips as well as supporting other community groups who require transport by loaning our minibuses when we are not using them. Recent examples are taking a couple, one with MND, to their grand-daughter's wedding, and taking several groups comprising people with MS and their family members, as well as our charity volunteers, for a speedboat trip courtesy of another charity - Wetwheels - who have a speedboat based in Whitby.

WHO WAS ALAN BOTT?

A member of the York MS Branch as well as a member of the National Committee.

He fought hard to have a respite centre built in York which was opened in 1990 (now sadly closed).

He died in 2008, a few weeks before he was offered the MBE in recognition of his work. The charity is named after him as a tribute.

Alan and Mary Bott celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary shortly before his death.