A CHARITY which provides a lifeline to people living with Multiple Sclerosis has been given cash to buy much needed specialist equipment thanks to The Gazette.

MS-UK, based on Hythe Quay, has been given £7,360 from the Gannett Foundation which is run by The Gazette’s parent company.

The money will be spent on purchasing two new wheelchairs which will allow clients to safely use state-of-the-art exercise machines called Therabikes.

The centre has three bikes, but currently just one specialist chair so the cash will prove vital for crucial workouts which enable both active and passive cycling with riders able to monitor their intensity levels on an attached screen.

CEO Amy Woolf said she was delighted to have received the money and believes exercise is crucial for helping people cope with their condition.

She said: “I am so pleased for the support of the Gannett Foundation which will enable us to purchase two specialist wheelchairs so that our clients at Joseph’s Court can now safely use the exercise equipment which is so important to their continued wellbeing.

“Latest research shows it is important for people with Multiple Sclerosis to be able to exercise to help them maintain their mobility.”

Cheques adding up to close to £250,000 have been given out nationwide with the trustees of a fund with Newsquest trustees sifting through hundreds of applications ranging from hospice beds to a new pony for disabled riders.