A MULTIPLE Sclerosis charity which started in Nailsea more than 25 years ago has moved to a new facility in Bradley Stoke.

Today (Wed) will be the day when staff at The West of England MS Therapy Centre are handed the keys to a state-of-the-art, �1.3million treatment centre.

Construction of the facility began in the summer following years of fundraising and planning by the charity, which has grown significantly since it was founded in 1985.

It was set up by Jackie Brightwell - a woman who cared for her husband, Roy, after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

He underwent a trial of oxygen therapy and following its success, Jackie set about creating a facility in Southfield Road, Nailsea, to make the same treatment available to others.

The range of therapies available eventually grew to include physiotherapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture as well as counselling.

In 2009, the charity started the Moonstone Appeal to raise funds for a purpose-built facility in Bradley Stoke where even more services could be provided. This has now been completed and will provide support to up to 600 people each year in North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas.

Mike Gelder, head of the Moonstone Appeal, said: “We are very pleased to be at this point after many years of hard work raising the funds needed for the centre, planning, and building the facility.

“We now have the task of moving out of Nailsea and into the new centre to start a new chapter in the history of this charity, which has worked so hard to support people with MS over the past 25 years.

“The new centre, designed by architects ID Partnership, will provide superb facilities to offer people living with MS the therapies which enable them to remain active, working and independent for as long as possible.

“The benefits to the individuals who normally encounter the first symptoms of this debilitating illness in their 20s and 30s and to their families are significant.”

* Anybody wishing to make a donation toward the charity’s work can visit www.mstherapybristol.co.uk or text MSTC�x To 70070.