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Every year on the last day of February, the world turns its attention to a community that is often invisible, yet 300 million strong. February 28, 2026, marks the 19th annual Rare Disease Day, and this year's theme, "More Than You Can Imagine," is a powerful reminder that while a single disease may be rare, the collective experience of living with one is a global reality. The spotlight in 2026 falls on equity, ensuring that the exhausting "diagnostic odyssey" so many patients endure ends sooner, and that life-saving treatments aren't determined by where you live or what you earn. The Reality of "Rare" in 2026 It's a common misconception that rare diseases only affect a handful of people. In the UK alone: 3.5 million people live with a rare condition. 70% of these diseases begin in childhood, and 90% still have no approved treatment through the European Medicines Agency or NICE. The need for progress is urgent. Encouragingly, 2026 is a year of real momentum. The UK's Rare Diseases Framework has been extended through 2027, providing a vital bridge for policy and funding. Across Europe, the ERDERA (European Rare Diseases Research Alliance) has launched major transnational research initiatives, using AI and multi-omics to solve previously undiagnosed cases. Breakthroughs Worth Celebrating The past year has seen "medical miracles" move from the lab to the clinic: 1. Personalised CRISPR therapies are now being designed for single individuals, as in the landmark case of baby KJ Muldoon, whose life-threatening metabolic disorder was corrected with a bespoke gene-editing treatment. 2. AI-driven diagnostic tools are dramatically reducing the time it takes to identify rare genetic variants, uncovering patterns that once took decades to recognise. 3. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and MHRA are pioneering faster approval pathways for ultra-rare conditions, prioritising biological evidence in cases where large-scale clinical trials simply aren't possible. A Future Built on Equity Equity doesn't mean treating everyone the same, it means giving everyone what they need to thrive. As Rhiannon Walls, Rare Disease Day Global Lead, puts it: "Recognition is only the first step. Alongside awareness, we need concrete actions, clearer pathways, inclusive research, and services that are accessible to all." The goal for 2026 is straightforward: nobody left behind. Therapies for Rare Diseases at the Brightwell The Brightwell was originally founded to treat Multiple Sclerosis, opening our centre in Nailsea over 40 years ago. Over the decades, the range of conditions we support has grown significantly to include other chronic and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke, cancer, Long Covid, ME/CFS, and Fibromyalgia. We have also had the privilege of working with members living with some very rare conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Labrune Syndrome, Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Encephalitis, and various forms of Ataxia. For further information about Rare Disease Day 2026, please visit www.rarediseaseday.org To find out more about the therapies that we offer, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies or call us on 01454 201686

This International Women's Day, we are doing something a little special. Join us on Friday, 6 March, from 7:00 pm  at the Brightwell for a truly inspiring film evening to mark the occasion.   We'll be opening with a screening of 87 Days: Alone Rowing the Pacific,  the remarkable true story of British adventurer Lia Ditton , who in June 2020 rowed solo out from under San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge into open ocean and didn't stop until she reached Hawaii 2,499 miles later. Sharks circled her boat. Twice she nearly drowned and yet she kept rowing. In completing the journey, Lia broke two Guinness World Records, becoming the youngest and fastest woman to row the mid-Pacific Ocean.   What makes this evening even more special is our own connection to Lia. In 2022, she visited the Brightwell Centre's Hyperbaric Oxygen department a period of four months as part of her recovery,  so we have a wonderful personal link to this extraordinary woman and her journey.   We will then follow this with a screening of the much-loved classic Bend It Like Beckham . The story of Jess, a young British-Indian girl who dreams of becoming a professional footballer, defying her family's expectations and society's assumptions to pursue her passion for the game. A feel-good film that hasn't lost an ounce of its charm since its release in 2002.   Together, these two films capture the very spirit of International Women's Day, celebrating women who refuse to be defined by what others expect of them, who push boundaries, break records, and inspire us all to back ourselves a little more. Whether you're rowing solo across the Pacific or fighting for your place on the pitch, the message is the same: believe in yourself, back your dreams, and anything is possible.   Join us on  Friday, 6 March, from 7:00 pm at The Brightwell. Free entry.  Popcorn and refreshments are available to purchase.  All welcome.   Check out some other events happening in the area to celebrate International Womens Day

We’re delighted to announce that we have retained our 5-star Food Hygiene rating! The Brightwell Café has become a wonderful addition for everyone who visits the Centre, whether they are visiting for therapies, attending events or just meeting up with friends and family. The café offers a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals, including a range of daily and seasonal specials. We had an unannounced visit from South Gloucestershire Council on Thursday, 19 February and following their inspection, they were pleased to re-award The Brightwell Café the 5-star Food Hygiene rating. A food hygiene rating tells consumers about the hygiene standards of a food premises to help them choose where to eat or shop for food. During an inspection, the food safety officer checks how well businesses are meeting the law by looking at:  The handling of food The handling of food How food is stored How food is prepared Cleanliness of facilities How food safety is managed The scheme gives food premises a rating from 0 to 5, where 5 shows hygiene standards are very good, and 0 shows urgent improvements are required. We’re so pleased that The Brightwell Café has retained the maximum 5-star rating and that all the care and attention to preparing food taken by the café team has been officially recognised once again! Congratulations to Paula and her lovely café volunteers! We hope you visit the Brightwell Café soon – look out for some special Spring and Easter treats and new items on the menu in the coming weeks!

We were delighted to welcome Audrey Lam to the Brightwell team as a Physiotherapist in late 2024,  and what a fantastic addition she has been.   Born and raised in Hong Kong, Audrey moved to the UK aged 19 to study and has called Bristol home for the past four years. Alongside being a skilled, compassionate and enthusiastic physiotherapist, Audrey is also an exceptionally talented dancer.  However, dancing wasn’t always part of Audrey’s plan.   “ I haven’t always been a dancer. I used to play badminton and enjoyed running and swimming.  I always tell people that when I was younger, I wouldn't have joined the Dance Society if I hadn’t been rejected from the Volleyball team!  Now I’m obsessed with street dance, especially hip hop and house dance styles. I love the way dance brings people of different ages, cultures, and languages together, which is why I started a dance class at The Brightwell!”   Audrey has taught Street Dance at an impressively high level and has even competed at the World Championships! Her passion and energy quickly became part of life at the Centre, not only through her clinical work but also through the vibrant dance class she introduced to our community. As we look ahead, Audrey will be bidding farewell to us at the end of February 2026 as she prepares for an exciting new chapter in London, where she will continue developing both her physiotherapy career and her dance journey.   Reflecting on her time here, Audrey says: “ The Brightwell has been my first-ever workplace. I am so grateful to have been part of this amazing team and welcomed into this community. The Brightwell will always have a place in my heart and will always be a place I am keen to share with others. As a clinician as well as a dancer, I will always feel part of the Brightwell Community. The fun I had seeing clients every day and setting up the dance class gave me the confidence to share my ideas and carry on being myself. “   We are incredibly thankful for the warmth, creativity and enthusiasm Audrey has brought to The Brightwell. She has made a lasting impact on colleagues and clients alike. Audrey, we wish you every success in London. And who knows… perhaps one day we will see you on television! Please keep in touch and come to visit us when you are in Bristol.

As we step into 2026 with renewed energy and ambition, we’re excited to share an important part of our fundraising strategy, and we need your help. To support our charity’s work, we’ve launched an account on Vinted, the popular app used by millions of people to buy and resell clothing and goods. Just like our much-loved shop in the centre, this new online platform gives us another fantastic opportunity to raise essential funds. What We’re Looking For To make our Vinted shop a success, we’re currently seeking donations of clothing that are: Branded items In immaculate or outstanding condition New with tags still attached These types of items perform particularly well online and help us maximise every pound raised. By donating quality pieces you no longer wear, you’re directly contributing to sustainable fundraising that makes a real difference. Why Vinted? Vinted has become one of the go-to platforms for reselling pre-loved fashion. By listing carefully selected, high-quality pieces, we can reach a wider audience beyond our local community, turning your generous donations into income for our charity’s services. It’s simple, you clear space in your wardrobe, and together we turn those items into meaningful support for those who need it most. How to Donate Please have a good root around at home, in wardrobes, drawers, and storage boxes, and if you come across anything that fits the bill, we’d be so grateful to receive them. You can drop donations off at: The Brightwell Centre Bradbury House Wheatfield Drive Bradley Stoke BS32 9DB Thank you, as always, for your continued generosity and support. We truly couldn’t do this without you.

I was born in 1970 in Barking, Essex, and growing up, I lived with my family. I have twin brothers who were 2 and a half years older than me. I enjoyed water skiing as a child and continued this into my early 20’s. My mum realised quite early on that I may have dyslexia, and at the age of 8, I attended a specialist school each day by minibus. Then, aged 13, I was sent to a boarding school specialising in dyslexia, which fortunately was funded by the Local Authority. I also went to Grenville College in Devon before studying for a 2 Year BTEC course in construction at Chelmsford Institution. My dad was the Director of Commercial Union Properties in London and was fortunate to take early retirement at the age of 50. A fascinating family fact is that my grandfather, Donald Forbes, was friends with Winston Churchill, and my father‘s godmother was  Lady Clementine Churchill. We have some wonderful mementoes, including the silver christening cup gifted to my grandfather by the Churchills.   I spent 4 years at The University of Glamorgan studying Construction Management, which was sponsored by the Keir Group. After graduating, I started work for Kier and had a successful career with the Kier Group for the next 20 years. While at work, I noticed that my eyes were becoming very blurred and unbeknownst to me at that time, this was an early symptom of MS. In 1994, I married my now ex-wife, and had two lovely boys, Harrison and Archie and also in that year I was first diagnosed with MS. I had started noticing changes and deterioration in my vision and this was also noticeable in my legs when they started to get increasingly unsteady. I first became aware of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and the MS Centres in the early 2000s when I visited the Harrow Centre. I also became a Trustee there and still have regular contact with them today. After having the boys, we moved to Monmouth in 2009.  At that time, I  started visiting the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Nailsea.   I came across from Monmouth every week for Oxygen Therapy as I noticed the benefits. I continued to do so when the Centre relocated to Bradley Stoke in 2012. In 2018, I travelled to Mexico to undergo HSCT Stem Cell Therapy, where the treatment lasted for a month. I was given 1-2 weeks of chemotherapy, where my stem cells were removed and then reintroduced back into the body. I was very fortunate that a number of my family members came over to Mexico to visit me during that month. Initially, I felt the benefits in my walking and found that walking seemed much easier after the treatment.  I don’t think that I fully benefited from this treatment as I had a number of very stressful events occurring at that time, including my divorce and, sadly, my Dad passed away. Around that time, I relocated to Bristol, in fact to Bradley Stoke, to be near the Centre. I became a Trustee at the Brightwell in 2022. All my fundraising activities are really important to me, and I am proud to say that I have raised thousands of pounds over the years. One of my early challenges was that I did a skydive in 2014, and did the SAS course over Pen Y Fan two years running, being supported by a rugby team that pushed and carried me over the course, an amazing experience raising funds for the Brightwell. I have been fortunate enough to have several friends, one of whom raised over £8,000 riding up Mont Ventoux 3 times in a day, I couldn’t be prouder! My most recent challenge was in May 2025 when I abseiled down the side of the Village Hotel! I am a keen fitness fanatic and have kitted out my garage with equipment to help keep my muscles strong and flexible. I also take part in Move4MS each January to commit to moving each and every day of that month. I don’t travel as much these days, but I did get to visit Las Vegas in 2023 for 2 weeks with my partner, which was amazing, and I plan to go on a cruise around Europe in 2027! The Brightwell is a lifeline for me as it is a place where I can be sociable, as I live alone. It is handy for me to get to in my electric wheelchair. Staff and volunteers are so helpful. I can also enjoy a nice lunch from the Cafe. I am often at the Centre, so please come and say hello! I hope you found the story of my MS journey of interest. Best Wishes Roger.

The Brightwell would not be able to run without fundraising. There are many ways in which groups or individuals can support us to provide therapies and care for our community of members. One of which is our incredible Corporate Supporters Network, The Brightwell 100. We are incredibly fortunate at The Brightwell to receive support from successful, generous businesses, large and small, that have chosen to become part of this fantastic network. The kind donations we receive from these partners are often directed towards items from our Wishlist . While a significant proportion of our income and fundraising is used to run the Centre and subsidise the cost of the therapies we provide, the Wishlist allows us to fund essential items that fall outside our core revenue. The Brightwell 100 was established in February 2022, and since then, tens of thousands of pounds have been invested in improving the Centre. This support has enabled us to enhance sustainability and reduce long-term costs, purchase vital new equipment, carry out repairs, implement system upgrades, undertake refurbishments, and much more. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of The Brightwell 100 members. To find out more about The Brightwell 100 ,  please visit   www.thebrightwell.org.uk/brightwell-100 Corporate Supporters can contribute in a variety of ways, including financial donations, donated goods, or professional services. Every penny and every contribution directly support the work we do. Below is a copy of our February 2026 Wishlist to give you an insight into some of the items we urgently need. We hope there will be something on this list that aligns with your corporate values, shared aims, and charitable budgets. If you would like to learn more about The Brightwell or discuss how you might get involved, please contact Caz Blake-Symes  on 07970 038135  or email caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk .    For other ways to support us, please visit   www.thebrightwell.org.uk/fundraising Thank you for your interest in supporting our charity.

MS Awareness Week is back – and we need you!  MS Awareness Week is returning this 20 – 26 April 2026. We’re once again partnering with seven of the UK’s biggest MS charities to raise awareness about the condition and the issues people with MS have told us about. For 2026 we’ll be challenging MS assumptions and the harm they can cause. That’s where you come in. We want to hear your experiences of assumptions and judgements to shape our campaign. We’ve created a short survey that shouldn’t take longer than 5-10 minutes to complete. Please help us deliver the strongest campaign by completing our survey below: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91027947/MSAwareness2026 If you’d like to share your story more publicly, please do include your contact details at the end of the survey. Thank you!

Trish Smith, a Volunteer and Veteran of Oceans of Hope UK, has kindly written this article for us, which we hope you will find interesting... Sailing? Are you mad! You have Multiple Sclerosis, you cannot possibly sail having this condition, I can hear you asking.  I too thought that when I was diagnosed in October 2016 and going through a very bleak time in my life of severe depression, feeling suicidal, and the passing of my dad 5 months later, my life had hit rock bottom!  I have this neurological condition, unsure of my future and how bad I will become and how long I have until I am in a wheelchair?   My life changed in 2018 when I heard about this charity called Oceans of Hope whilst on a taster weekend sailing in Bewl, Kent. They were offering a 5-day sailing trip in Croatia along the Dalmatian coast, for me it was a big turning point of going into an unknown territory and meeting people who had the same condition as me yet having the confidence to fly abroad on my own and not knowing anyone, one week later, my mindset of having MS changed and me as a person (for the better). I met so many people, a crew who accepted me as the person I was and a skipper who showed me the way forward and believed in me. I was so hooked it was like a drug; it fuelled me to believe I could do anything I wanted if I put my mind to it. Since May 2019, I have been to Turkey (I am about to go back for my fourth time in May this year with Oceans of Hope UK) that same year, and have been to Greece twice, Sardinia, sailed a 72ft Challenger boat to Belfast with fellow Oceans of Hope MS participants and the Tall Ships Youth Trust and many day sails in Port Solent. Oceans of Hope is a charity that offers hope to those with Multiple Sclerosis. There is hope that just because you have this horrible disease, you can feel free, let the wind blow the problems away that we face daily and feel, brave doing something new and exciting. Oceans of Hope has some exciting day sails coming up in May on two yachts from Southampton (we do ask that you can climb stairs from the deck to the Galley) for those who are wheelchair bound or are unsure of trying this on a yacht, we have a Wheelchair accessible catamaran that is sailing in July from Port Silent. In July, there is a weekend at Calvert Lakes in Keswick, Lake District, which includes Sailing big and small boats, Archery, swimming, and Zip-Lining. The cost is £175 all-inclusive. You can find all these events on https://oceansofhope.co.uk/take-part/ and you can sign up for the newsletter here as well, which will keep you updated on allwe are doing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me: info@oceansofhope.co.uk     I hope to see you at some of these events. Take Care and remember...... “Life is not about waiting for the winds to change; it's about learning to adjust your sails”

When and where 25 Feb 2026, 19:00 – 22:00 Bradley Stoke, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About Quiz Night is Back!  🧠🎶 You are going to love The Brightwell Quiz Night  – brain-teasing trivia, with a hint of Valentine's love ! 🥰 🕡  Doors open:  6:30 PM🕖  Quiz starts:  7:00 PM Expect a heart-warming atmosphere with quiz rounds – including picture and music rounds – designed to test your knowledge and keep you entertained all night long. 💘💕 Whether you're flying solo, coming as a cosy couple, or bringing the galentines crew, everyone is welcome! 🎟️ Don’t forget to grab your raffle tickets for our Quiz Night Raffle  – packed with goodies, available on the night! 🥂 Bring your own wine, fizz, soft drinks, and nibbles to keep the brain cells functioning! So get revising, polish up those trivia skills, and join us for a love ly evening – all in support of a great cause.