We told you recently about an event which really touched us here in the SOUTH WALES LIFE office. We said at the time that it’s our aim to include in our magazine, those events which maybe don’t always attract mass publicity, but nevertheless have taken hard work, dedication and love to organise.
It was that which brought us to the first CARL BENNETT MS WALK which was held today (28th September) in the beautiful setting of Parc Bryn Bach (Tredegar), in loving memory of Carl. The idea was initiated by his daughter, Emma, and organised with the help of the MS Society Cymru’s South Wales Fundraising Group. This first commemorative walk was a great success and, from what we could see, a fitting tribute to Carl.
The skies were more than a little grey as everyone set off but Emma must have been so pleased with the support today.
Stuart Nixon is a former MS Society Trustee and Vice-Chair. He’s volunteered for 18 years and actually inspired the annual MS Walk event STU STEPS UP, a 60km walk which wheelchair user Stuart completed with the aid of a specially adapted walking frame in 2013. Later that year, he was awarded ‘Lifetime Achievement’ at the MS Society Awards.
After Stuart welcomed and thanked everyone for joining the day, it was all about walking and remembering Carl in a very positive way. Here are some pictures from today’s event.
Emma said….
“When my dad died he took a piece of me with him. It took me a long time to accept his illness and his passing. I still have days where I struggle, but I have hope that one day nobody will have to go through the suffering my dad and my family have. I hope that treatments developed that can stop MS for good.”
It’s a feeling most of us who have lost someone so close feel. Accepting their illness and the devastating effect their passing has, never leaves us. That’s why this walk was so important, for both the money it raises for MS but the focus it gives Emma during tough times.
She said……
“I may have lost my dad but he lives on through me and his other children. I will help in any way I can to fight for awareness and fundraising, to develop effective treatments – for everyone with MS”.
I think the smiles today show just how determined Emma’s family, friends and supporters are to reinforce that message.
If you haven’t yet seen this, take a look at the video here which will give you a sense of what life is like living with MS.
We’d just like to send our best wishes to everyone who took part in the CARL BENNETT MS WALK today. The weather wasn’t fantastic but the atmosphere and goodwill most certainly was. Emma, you should be very proud.
If you’d like to find out more about the work of the MS Society in Wales and maybe support with fundraising, just go here. MS