A therapy centre for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) has received a £3,935 boost thanks to the staff from Persimmon Homes.

Persimmon Homes Midlands selected the Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire MS Therapy Centre as its 2019 nominated charity of the year, handing over a cheque £3,025 from employee fundraising.

In addition, two staff based at the company’s Northampton headquarters - Claire Dove and Megan Shipman – raised £910 by abseiling down the Express Lift Tower in the city.

Claire Dearsley, sales director at Persimmon Homes Midlands, said: “Every year our employees choose a regional charity to be the focus of all their fundraising and they were very impressed with the work done by this organisation.”

“MS is a tough condition to deal with – whether you have it yourself or are caring for someone with it. Charities like the Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire MS Therapy Centre provide a lifeline, delivering practical and emotional support.”

Staff raised the money through regular ‘dress down Fridays’, cake sales and the sale of ex-show home furniture.

Based at Barkers Lane, Bedford, the Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire MS Therapy Centre offers a wide range of therapies, services and support, helping 350 people per week living with multiple sclerosis to self-manage their condition – all funded by donations.

The charity’s community and events fundraiser, Robert Barker, added: “We are very grateful to the employees of Persimmon Homes Midlands for selecting us as their charity of the year.

“We couldn’t do any of our good work without the help of so many people locally, who support us financially and practically.”