Our History
In the early 1980s there was very little support for local people with Multiple Sclerosis. This prompted a group of likeminded people to do something about it and this is where our history begins. Set up by people with MS it focussed on the needs of its members addressing the challenges presented by MS. This principal still remains true today.
In the early days the group met in a room in the Battle hospital but quickly outgrew this. In 1984 the group moved to its own portacabin in Caversham and the 'Centre' was born. Adopting the motto "Self Help is our Way of Action" the move allowed the group to set up a oxygen chamber and expand the services offered to include oxygen treatment, physiotherapy, counselling, dietary advice, footcare and yoga.
By 1996 the portacabin was too small and an appeal was started to build a new, larger, purpose built centre. After a successful campaign thanks to the generosity of many local people, businesses and trusts and foundations, Bradbury House was opened by HRH the Princess Anne on 3rd March 1999.
In 2012 the charity grew to include the Henley MS Support Group extending our support and reach to more people.
In 2014 we celebrated our 30th anniversary. From a small room in the local hospital to a purpose built therapy centre, we now offer a range of therapies. Over the course of a year we provide over 10,000 treatments supporting more than 400 families.
It may be over 30 years since the group was started but our core values haven't changed. Our members have always been and always will be at the heart of all we do. MS is a unpredictable condition and we do not know what treatments will be available or what support our members will need in the future. Our goal is simple: to make life with MS easier. While we are needed, and have the means to do so, we will be here so no one will have to live with MS alone.
