As well as applying for grants from charitable trusts and foundations, MS Research and Relief Fund relies greatly upon the generosity of individuals to continue to provide its services to people with multiple sclerosis. There are many different ways in which people can help our charity, including:

• Donations
• Gift Aid Declarations
• Bequests
• Via our online shop

MSRRF T-Shirts

We now have our own MSRRF T-Shirts printed and available for anyone wishing to raise funds for the charity. These T-Shirts carry the charity’s logo and people can clearly see who you are raising funds for:

 We also have a sponsorship pack to help advise and guide you.

What now?

Do you know of anyone who may wish to raise valuable funds for this charity, if so then please let me know and we can support them on possible:

• Walks
• Runs
• Coffee mornings
• Parties, whatever really – We want to hear from them.

Fundraising is a vital part of this charity – this ensures that we can continued to provide support       services to all people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

If you would like to help or if you require more information contact Cynthia Atkin on:

Telephone     01670 505829
Fax                 01670 516347

MS Research and Relief Fund are always ready to accept donations from groups or individuals. As well as direct donations, MS Research and Relief Fund have now joined with eBay For Charity . You can sell items through eBay and donate to our charity, when you are posting an item for sale.

Regular donations can also be made at source through deductions from salary, or via Direct Debit through a bank account. More details on both of these options are available by contacting us.

Thanks to Charity Choice, you can now donate to MS Research and Relief Fund over the Internet.

If you are a UK taxpayer, we can also recover the tax paid on a donation through GiftAid. By making a GiftAid declaration, we can recover 28p more on every £1 donated, so that a £10 donation becomes £12.80.

Gift Aid Declarations are governed by certain principles. Before you make your declaration, please make sure that you have read and understood the notes below.

Please download the form on the left, print it, and return it to us. If you cannot print the form, you can still make a Gift Aid Declaration over the telephone by calling MS Research and Relief Fund on 01670 505829.

Notes on making a Gift Aid Declaration

• If your Declaration covers donations you make in the future, please notify MS Research and Relief Fund if you change your name or address while the Declaration is still in force.
• You can cancel the Declaration at any time by notifying MS Research and Relief Fund - we will then not apply tax relief to donations you make on or after the date of cancellation or such later date as you specify.
• You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that MS Research and Relief Fund (and any other charities you support) reclaims on your donations in the tax year (currently 28p for each UK£1 you give).
• A Declaration can only be signed by one individual who is regarded as the donor, and who must be a tax payer. However, payments can be made from joint bank accounts of which the donor is a joint holder.
• If in the future your circumstances change and you no longer pay tax on your income and/or capital gains tax that MS Research and Relief Fund (and any other charities you support) reclaims, you can cancel your Declaration.
• If you pay tax at the higher rate you can claim further tax relief in your Self Assessment tax return.
• Information about your Gift Aid Declaration will be held on our computerised database which is registered under the Data Protection Act and will remain confidential.

If you are unsure whether your donations qualify for Gift Aid tax relief, or have any other questions about Gift Aid contact us by e-mail or on 01670 505829. Alternatively, you can find out more from the Inland Revenue website, or you can ask your local tax office for leaflet IR113 Gift Aid.

Do you, or have you known someone whose life has been affected by Multiple Sclerosis? This is the most common, chronic neurological condition that, although not terminal, stays with people for the remainder of their lives. Although there are currently estimated to be over 85,000 people diagnosed with MS, the illness also changes the lives of their partners, families and friends.

Leaving a legacy to MS Research and Relief Fund will enable us to continue to provide direct financial support to improve the quality of life of individuals and their families; to continue to research into the causes and relief of MS symptoms; and to facilitate a range of therapies.

Would You Consider Making A Bequest?

Multiple Sclerosis is not a terminal condition and those people affected by it often need support for their entire lifespan. YOUR legacy really can be a "Gift For Life." Please consider a bequest to MS Research and Relief Fund. A bequest, however small, is a simple and valuable way of supporting people affected by MS. Your solicitor can advise you on how to include a legacy to MS Research and Relief Fund in your Will. If you don't have a solicitor contact us on 01670 505829 and we'll be glad to advise you.

Making A Will

People often don't consider making a Will because they feel they have nothing of real value, but most people would be surprised at the amount which their 'estate' can realise. Your estate includes not only property and money in banks, it also includes all your personal possessions. Making a Will allows you to leave those special items to the persons of your choice.

Making a Will:

• Puts you in control
• Ensures you don't leave your loved ones with additional financial and legal problems at a time that is already distressing
• Is simple and inexpensive

A solicitor won't pry into all your personal affairs. He/she will only need to know what your assets are relating to cash, savings, property, personal possessions etc. Then, of course, he will also need to know who will benefit from your Will and how YOU would like them to benefit.

Questions & Answers

Why do I need to make a Will? I want to leave everything to my spouse.

If you die without having made a Will, your estate is termed 'in testate'. This means that legal processes must be carried out before the estate can be distributed. Legal costs are taken from the estate and the process is lengthy. This means that those who you wish to inherit your estate will receive less and have to wait longer for it.

Why should I bother to make a Will when I don't have much money?

Many people underestimate the value of their property and possessions, many of which may have increased in value over time. Add up the value of your property, car, savings, insurance policies, pensions, etc and you may be surprised. Making a Will can ensure that your possessions go to the people you want to have them and that your exact wishes are carried out.

Can I get a form and just make a Will myself?

In theory yes, but in practice people often make mistakes, which could mean that your wishes aren't carried out. Seeing a solicitor will ensure that your Will is legally accurate and that you wishes will be carried out precisely and quickly.

Who will look after my affairs after my death?

You can appoint your solicitor, a family member or friend who is willing to take responsibility.

How can I help people with Multiple Sclerosis?

By leaving a bequest to:

Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund
Benmar House
Choppington Road
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2HX

Registered charity no. 228634.

Ask your solicitor for advice, or contact us if you would like further information.

Undertaking sponsored activities and sports is an easy way to raise funds for our charity as well as making more people aware of multiple sclerosis and MS Research and Relief Fund. To help you with this, MSRRF can supply official sponsorship forms..

If you would like to help us raise funds, you can download a sponsor ship form from our form library on the left.