Over the last 12 months Royal Quays Outlet Centre has supported the Multiple Sclerosis Society, with an active calendar of charity events. The Centres aim is to provide facilities and support to local branches and ultimately make a difference to people suffering from MS in the North East.

There are thousands of people with MS in in the North East, as living farther north of the equator significantly increases the risk of developing MS amoung those with genetic susceptibility.Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological disorder affecting young adults and we estimate that around 85,000 people in the UK have MS. The MS Society is the main UK charity for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by MS.

Local branches cater for people of all ages and interests and are run by people with direct experience of MS, providing respite care grants for home adaptations and mobility aids, education and information, social activities, support for those with MS as well as their carers, and help fund teams providing physiotherapy, counselling, speech therapy, and social work. The MS Society funds around 50 vital MS research projects in the UK is a national freephone MS helpline, specialist MS nurses and a wide range of information.

MS is the result of damage to myelin - the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. This damage interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.

If you want to learn more about the MS Society, the website is www.mssociety.org.uk or call the local helpline on 0191 267 0594

Fundraisers from the North East branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society received a boost when staff at Royal Quays Outlet Centre handed over a cheque for £7000 to the charity. Royal Quays nominates a charity every year and the centre's Charity Committee organise many events to raise money.  Events this year have included a sponsored ghost hunt at Beamish Hall, a comedy night, bowling nights, onsite raffles, tombolas and collection tins.