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A year after losing his wife to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), 65-year-old Philip Robinson, from Bargoed, has once again been raising money to help others affected by the condition.
Jane Waring passed away on October 28 last year, aged 59, following a 20-year battle with MS.
Mr Robinson said his biggest regret was that he “never got to say goodbye” after Jane fell into a coma three months before her eventual passing.
To give Jane “one final send-off”, Mr Robinson arranged a charity auction in Bargoed Labour Club and managed to raise almost £700 for MS Society UK.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.
It’s a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.
In many cases, it’s possible to treat symptoms. Average life expectancy is slightly reduced for people with MS.
It’s most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s although it can develop at any age. It’s about two to three times more common in women than men.
MS is one of the most common causes of disability in younger adults.
Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, he said: “The whole of Bargoed was very generous. We auctioned off free haircuts, meals, bottles of wine, all kindly donated by over 30 local businesses.
“It was a great day with lots of laughs. I’d like to thank the Labour club for letting us use the building for free.”
Despite the auction taking place in June this year, Mr Robinson said he’s found it difficult to talk about, adding that he has “good days and bad days”.
Mr Robinson, who used to work with Age UK, raised more than £3,500 for MS in 2022, when he raffled off his 1954 GUC American pick-up truck.
Asked if he had any more plans to raise money for MS, Mr Robinson said: “I do plan on it, but it’s hard to think at the moment because October is such a difficult month with the anniversary approaching.”
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