Reflecting on 2024 with the MSA Trust Team
As we approach the New Year and bid farewell to 2024 we would like to take a moment to reflect on the past year at the Trust. This is also an opportune time to wish all of our members a happy New Year and to thank all those who have supported us. We have invited the MSAT team to share their reflections and highlight moments from the past year. Please take a moment to read their reflections below.
This year I have been very proud of the great work our team do, being able to help more new members than ever before. In addition, our second MSA Needs Survey findings have provided robust facts for policy work and have enabled us to develop an ever-growing bank of evidence explaining the critical needs of people affected by MSA.
-Andy Barrick, Chief Executive
For me, the incredible MSA Research Symposium held in February 2024, for which the team (including Dr Viorica Chelban) did such an amazing job of organising and hosting at UCL is a real highlight. So pleased I could be there to hear all the latest research updates in MSA. A fantastic lineup of researchers from around the World gathered to share their information and news. I am very excited to think about the next one, a bit later in the year Friday 25th April 2025. I hope we will hear more about drug trials for new possible treatments and breakthroughs in the understanding of the basic science behind the onset of MSA.
I am also really looking forward to meeting some of our incredible, resilient and resourceful MSA community at our bi-annual Candlelight Event, this year being held in Scotland. This is always a very special event, bringing people together who have lost someone to MSA in the recent past and hopefully offering some comfort that they are not alone, they are supported and although their loved one may no longer be with us, we are continuing our search for the cure. I will be up in Edinburgh for the event and very much looking forward to lighting our memorial candle.
-Karen Walker, Chief Executive
Thinking back on 2024 I’m proud that the MSA Trust has had more presence on the international stage including attending the Movement Disorder Society Congress in the USA and publishing a range of journal articles for audiences around the world. All of this means that we’re able to work more collaboratively with partners and organisations in the UK, Europe and worldwide, to better serve the needs of people affected by MSA. In 2025 I’m looking forward to continuing our work in raising awareness of MSA among healthcare professionals, which includes our next Study Day to be held in London in March.
-Emma Rushton, Head of Operations: Information and Services
As a new member to the team at the MSA Trust in 2024, I have really enjoyed meeting our members, their carers and families. I am looking forward to supporting more people to access the services and financial support to which they are entitled, to hopefully make things a little easier.
-Louise Hardy, Social Welfare Specialist
This marks my third year working at the MSA Trust, and each year, without fail, what I am most proud of and enjoy most about my role in the fundraising team is the daily opportunity to meet and engage with our incredible members. Many of them are facing or have faced immense challenges, yet despite it all, those living with MSA, along with their loved ones and colleagues, take on extraordinary feats or organise fundraising events to support the Trust. It is an immense privilege to do what I do and to witness the generosity and kindness our members display every single day.
-Eleanor Jarvis, Events, Community and Digital Fundraising Officer.
I’m proud to have taken the plunge and joined the MSA Trust team in October this year. Balancing my roles at the charity and in the NHS has been a rewarding challenge, both of which align to my personal values and bring me great meaning. It’s been truly inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of my colleagues at the Trust and the strength of the MSA community.
In 2025, I’m excited to deepen my involvement with the Trust and apply my skills behind the scenes to help the Team raise awareness, improve support and broaden our understanding of this debilitating condition. Moreover, I look forward to meeting our incredible supporters and making a positive impact for those living with MSA and their families. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year filled with hope and progress!
-Nikki Webster, Executive Assistant
A big highlight for me this year was attending our in-person support groups in Belfast, Dublin and Merseyside. It was lovely to get the chance to meet and chat with so many amazing people and it’s really inspired me. Another highlight was Louise Hardy joining the Trust and working alongside me to make up the Social Welfare Specialist team, which has enabled us to support even more people affected by MSA. I’m really looking forward to supporting our MSA community in 2025.
-Sam Fitzgerald, Social Welfare Specialist
In 2024 I am proud that I have been able to help our members share their stories, and I hope to continue this in 2025. I am also proud of all the support groups we ran in 2024; I’ve been working hard getting everything in place for next year, so I encourage everyone to have a look at our support group calendar.
-James Grogan, Support Services Coordinator
It has been an honour to work with people living with MSA and their families this year. One of my highlights has been attending the support groups, both in person, and online. It is wonderful to see the MSA community supporting and helping each other, and the feedback is always great. I look forward to welcoming more people to these supports groups in the new year.
-Demelza Stuart, MSA Health Care Professional
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the blogs published on these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MSA Trust.
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