THIS week is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, and I’d like to tell your readers about this disabling neurological disease. MS affects the central nervous system. Its cause is not known and there is no cure. It affects around 85,000 people in the UK, most often between the ages of 20 and 40. MS has affected such celebrities as cellist Jacqueline du Pre, footballer Danny Wallace and former Dr Who, William Hartnell.

People with MS or other disabilities often find it extremely costly and difficult to organise a holiday, or even a short respite break, because of complicated medical and care arrangements. As a result, around a third of all disabled people have not been able to take a break in the past year due to physical or financial barriers. Carers also face exhaustion and the risk of becoming disabled themselves, and are in equally desperate need of relief.

I work at a place called Vitalise Netley Waterside House, an accessible respite care centre in Southampton run by national disability charity Vitalise. Each year we welcome many hundreds of disabled people and carers who enjoy much-needed breaks with us, breaks which often mean the difference between coping and despair. But we couldn't do it without the generosity of our supporters. If you would like to support our essential work, please call us on 02380 453 686 or email Netley@vitalise.org.uk.

KAREN TEMPLETON, Vitalise Netley Waterside House