As Multiple Sclerosis week draws to a close, Daily Echo chief reporter JENNY MAKIN meets the man who is putting his illness to one side to get a local MS charity off the ground...

THEY were some of the darkest days of his life. Discovering the shattering news that he had multiple sclerosis, it's no surprise that Geoff Smith sunk deep into a depression.

Learning to live with excruciating stomach and leg cramps, blurred vision, numb feet, cold hands and slurred speech and knowing that one day you would be crippled by the disease that destroys the nervous system can be enough to break a man with a great passion for sport.

But not this 50-year-old father-of-three.

For Geoff was strong and determined not to let MS beat him.

Instead, following the start of his nightmare in February 1997, he threw himself into starting up a charity to help fellow sufferers.

With the help and support of his wife, Christine, who he lives with at the family home in Bitterne, Southampton, the organisation, which is now a registered charity known as The Geoff Smith Foundation, has gone from strength to strength and has massive support.

Its patrons include footballing legend Matt Le Tissier, Saints star Jason Dodd, former Hollyoaks and Where The Heart Is actress Kerrie Taylor, who grew up in Romsey and Jamiroqui drummer Matt Johnson.

Today Geoff, who has lost sight in his left eye, suffers regular cramps and consistent pins and needles in his right leg, is on track to creating a dream home for thousands of other MS sufferers.

After hefty legal fees, which have taken more than £11,000 from the charity, Geoff and his ten-strong committee of volunteers are just £30,000 from reaching their target to complete the house in Torrevieja, Alicante.

"The idea is to give people with MS and their families somewhere to enjoy a break together.

"Obviously it's not for people who are too ill to travel, but for those who are wheelchair-bound. I hope it's a fantastic opportunity for them to take a holiday in the sunshine without the added worry of whether the facilities will be suitable once you arrive," said Geoff.

The holiday home is fitted with ramps and low-level facilities and also has a swimming pool outside.

"Some people believe that MS sufferers don't enjoy the warmth, but I know personally and from friends who have MS that the heat and sunshine does us good.

"If it does get too much, the apartment is fully air-conditioned," he said.

"We need to hear from local sufferers who might be interested as well as people across the country. This is something for everyone."

The final push to raise the £30,000 is under way.

The organisation's annual charity golf day - their biggest fundraiser of the year - at the Botley Park Golf Club, is just seven weeks away.

Last year's event raised a magnificent £30,000 on the day, through cash donations, a race night and auction which included an Oasis signed guitar.

"If we can do as well as last year it would be absolutely amazing - and the fundraising for the house will be complete. Once again we have had a fantastic response, all the places have been booked up and all of the teams have been formed for the day," said Geoff.

The golfing competition will be followed by a night of entertainment, including a slap-up dinner in the company of Jason Dodd, former Saints defender Richard Hall, West Ham and Northern Ireland player Steve Lomas as well as fellow patrons Kerrie Taylor and Matt Johnson.

Jason Dodd told the Daily Echo: "Geoff and his team put their heart and soul into raising money for this fantastic cause. They need as much support as possible over the coming months to bring what was once a dream to reality. The golf day is great for me and the boys as we don't get that much time to play any more. I am really looking forward to it this year and am sure, once again, it will be a great success for Geoff."

Prizes are already rolling in for the event, sponsored by Universal Plumbing Supplies in Lodge Road, Southampton, and among those set to raise thousands on the night are signed England shirts belonging to Wayne Bridge, James Beattie and Alan Shearer.

The BBC's John Motson has also handed over his crib board - which contains accounts of the players and their history - from the night England played Macedonia at St Mary's stadium last October.

There's also a variety of Premiership team shirts up for grabs, including one belonging to Di Canio, and Joe Cole.

And a host of holiday's and weekend breaks will be on offer to bidders, including a trip of a lifetime to Rio.

"It's taken a lot of organising once again but my committee have been outstanding and full of ideas. It really takes it out of you but it will be worth it to see the holiday home completed. Everybody has been so generous and that is appreciated more than ever as we make this final push to reach our target," said Geoff.

Daily Echo readers who might be interested in bidding for one of the auction prizes can do so in advance of the big day on Friday, May 30, by calling or faxing The Geoff Smith Foundation office on 023 8042 2594.

The charity is also eager to hear from anyone wanting to donate a prize or make a donation.