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Image source www.englandfootball.com If you thought preparing for a World Cup just meant standard drill cones, a few tactical whiteboard sessions, and an intensive training camp, think again. As Thomas Tuchel’s England squad readies itself for the gruelling North American summer, sports science has been dialled up to an entirely new level. Among the heated training tents, wearable health bands, and biometric "digital pills" that players swallow to track their internal temperatures, there is one piece of tech causing a major buzz in the Three Lions camp: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Several members of the squad have gone as far as installing personal hyperbaric oxygen chambers in their own homes. But why are England’s elite footballers choosing to spend their precious downtime sealed inside pressurised, oxygen-rich pods? The Science: What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? In standard atmospheric conditions, we breathe in air that is about 21% oxygen. Under normal circumstances, our red blood cells carry this oxygen throughout the body. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy flips the script. Inside a specialised chamber, the atmospheric pressure is increased (sometimes up to three times normal air pressure), and the user breathes in pure, 100% oxygen. The Brightwell offers a range of dive depths up to 2ATA. How it works: Under high pressure, oxygen doesn’t just bind to your red blood cells—it actually dissolves directly into your blood plasma, central nervous system fluids, and tissues. This floods the body with up to 10 to 15 times its normal oxygen supply. Why the Three Lions are Chasing the "O2 Edge" The upcoming World Cup across the USA, Canada, and Mexico is shaping up to be a logistical and physical nightmare. With matches stretching across four time zones, gruelling late-night travel, and intense humidity in places like Miami, plus the staggering altitude of Mexico City, recovery is the real name of the game. Here is exactly why the FA and the players are banking on oxygen therapy to give them a tournament advantage: Accelerated Muscle Recovery Playing 90 (or 120) minutes of high-intensity football causes microtears in muscle fibres, leading to inflammation and soreness. By flooding damaged tissues with high-pressure oxygen, HBOT accelerates cellular repair, clears lactic acid, and dramatically shortens the time a player needs to bounce back between matches. Defeating Tournament Fatigue In a tournament where games come thick and fast, players often hit a wall. Oxygen therapy helps supercharge the mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of our cells, giving players a natural energy boost and reducing that heavy-legged feeling that can plague teams by the knockout stages. "Comfortable Being Uncomfortable" at Altitude With a potential knockout game looming in the high altitude of Mexico City, breathing becomes a massive obstacle. While England is using hypoxic (low-oxygen) tents to simulate the thin air during active training, hyperbaric oxygen after training ensures that the body recovers perfectly from those suffocating sessions, keeping the cardiovascular system operating at peak performance. Mental Clarity and Focus Physical tiredness leads to mental mistakes, a misplaced pass, a lost runner on a corner, a poorly timed tackle. Higher oxygen levels in the brain are proven to improve sleep quality, reaction times, and cognitive focus. When a match goes to a tense penalty shootout, a hyper-oxygenated brain could be the difference between a clinical finish and a heartbreak. A Growing Trend in the Game England’s men aren’t the first to discover the magic of the pod. Lionesses star Alessia Russo has long credited hyperbaric chambers as part of her "one per cent" marginal gains toolkit to navigate major tournaments. Global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah have also sworn by the technology for years to prolong their peak physical performance. With Thomas Tuchel demanding absolute physical perfection from his squad to end 60 years of hurt, the Three Lions are leaving absolutely no stone unturned. From the food they eat to the very air they breathe, everything is being optimised. HBOT for Sports Injuries at The Brightwell To find out more about HBOT for Sports Injuries at The Brightwell, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-for-sports-injuries You can also call us on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

Not content with running one marathon in honour of his late Uncle Nick, Ciaran Hemming returned for a second! This time, swapping the stunning scenery of Loch Ness for the city streets of Edinburgh. He also swapped the autumn chill for one of the hottest days of the year. Temperatures across parts of the UK climbed to 34 degrees, and although cooler in Scotland, the temperature was certainly a challenge. Around 9,900 competitors took on the full 26.2-mile course, heading out of the city through the streets of Musselburgh, Prestonpans, and Cockenzie and Port Seton, before turning at Gosford Estate and making their way back to the finish line at Pinkie Playing Fields. The heat was relentless. At points, local residents set up hosepipes to drench passing runners in very welcome cold water. The scale of the challenge was reflected in the fact that the ambulance service responded to 59 people suffering from heat-related issues during the event, with 16 taken to the hospital. Notably, it wasn't only runners who were affected; spectators, too, fell victim to the conditions. Those who crossed the finish line should feel immensely proud, especially given that their training was likely through the winter/spring! Though he wasn't formally fundraising, Ciaran has raised a brilliant £300. We take our hats off to him, once for his determination to run again in Nick's memory, and again for doing so in such gruelling heat. Everyone who knew Nick is certain he would have been incredibly proud. And so are we. Thank you, Ciaran!

Last week, we gathered together as a Brightwell family to celebrate the life of our wonderful Keith Gilbey, and what a celebration it was. Keith had been part of our community since 2013, more than a decade of selfless dedication that touched every single person who walked through our doors. He was our volunteer driver and, most importantly, a dear friend to us all. A Day Full of Warmth and Laughter The room was full of people who admired and respected him, and the memories that were shared painted such a vivid picture of the Keith we all knew and adored. We were absolutely delighted to welcome Keith’s brother Peter and his nephew Phil, who travelled to be with us on the day. It was such a pleasure to finally meet them, and we have to say, Peter reminded us so much of Keith; that same warmth and gentleness, that same Yorkshire twang and the exact same mannerisms. It felt like a gift, having him here with us. We are so glad they came, and we hope they left knowing just how cherished Keith was here, and how much he is missed. We are very pleased to say that we have made new friends to the Centre, and we hope they will both come and see us again. In Their Own Words We asked members, staff, and volunteers to share their favourite memories of Keith, and what came back was just beautiful. Here is just a small selection of what people shared: Karlis made these wonderful AI images of Keith as we all remember him with his newspaper and pen in hand ready to do the crossword. The second image is how we all saw Keith, as the Superhero that he was Caz remembered Keith as a brilliant quiz teammate with an encyclopaedic store of random facts, and a man who genuinely loved a doggy bag after an event! Helen recalled the time Keith won a little teddy dog at Bingo that she had donated. A few days later, he showed her photos of “Lucky” sitting happily in his kitchen, telling her it was one of his favourite ever wins. Gus shared that his favourite part of the day at the Centre was doing the crossword with Keith, especially on the occasions when Keith forgot his glasses and read out entirely the wrong clue! Keith (Taylor) remembered spending the whole of the Christmas break with him, stripping down and repainting the Oxygen Chamber together. He was thankful to have the company and a helping hand. Amrik spoke movingly about how Keith had driven him all the way to Birmingham and on to Heathrow when his father was critically ill in hospital, making it possible for him to see his father one last time. “I will never forget Keith,” he said, “and will always keep him in my heart.” Dawn and Monique remembered that Keith would help anyone, staff and members alike, even if it meant an airport run in the middle of the night. Dawn spoke of him bringing fish and chips round to her house just for the company. “We were his family, without a doubt,” she said, “and we felt the same about him.” Millie described Keith as the kindest person she has ever met, and was moved to share that even in the early months of this year, when he was already unwell himself, he continued to bring members to the Centre. He also took the time to check in on Millie during her own health difficulties a few years ago. “He was like a father-figure to us all,” she said. Victoria told us that every member of staff, past and present, when they heard of Keith’s passing, said the same thing: what a kind man he was. She also shared the lovely memory of Keith bringing Penguin biscuits into the office and waiting patiently for everyone to read the jokes aloud. Angela remembered how Keith was always on hand to get new members to the Brightwell, knowing how important their therapy was to them. She was also personally grateful to him for getting her to work when her own car was off the road, and for making sure she got home safely after one too many at a Centre event! Stella and Carol paid tribute to his loyalty and dedication, saying: “Keith, you were loyal and dedicated, steadfast and committed. You always put us first, and we appreciate everything you did to get us to the Centre and back home. You are greatly missed.” Caroline and Barry were unable to be with us in person on the day but sent their heartfelt wishes. As fellow northerners, they felt a special bond with Keith and wanted to make sure their thanks were passed on. They described him as “a funny, gentle and kind man” who thoroughly deserved a celebration in his honour. Lauren simply said, “Keith was genuinely one of the most selfless people I have ever met. His face and banter lit up the office.” And Rachel put it beautifully: “Keith, you used to make me laugh so much with your jokes, and you were always so caring, with me and with everyone.” These are just a handful of the stories shared on the day. There were so many more, funny, tender, and full of love, all of them painting the same portrait of a man who gave and gave without ever asking for anything in return. A Flower Memorial We are delighted to share that Keith will be remembered at The Brightwell in a special and lasting way. As many of you will know, The Brightwell has been involved in the Woodstock Homes MS Garden, which featured as a pocket planting entry at the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show this summer. When the planting returns to its permanent home here at the Centre, we will be planting a commemorative flowering plant in Keith’s name, in a spot where we can sit, take a moment, and remember our wonderful friend. Thank You, Keith To everyone who came along, shared a memory, raised a cuppa, and helped us celebrate him, thank you. It was exactly the kind of afternoon Keith would have loved; full of good times, laughter and surrounded by friends. Keith Gilbey, volunteer, friend, crossword hinderer, Penguin biscuit distributor, and one of the kindest souls we have ever known. We were so lucky to have you, and we will keep you with us always. 💛

The Maytree Pub in Bristol turned the Spring Bank Holiday into a brilliant community fundraiser on 25th May, hosting a Family Fun Day in support of The Brightwell. Running from midday until late, the event brought together local families, supporters, and volunteers for a full day of activities and entertainment. The pub garden was packed with things to enjoy, including stall holders, bake stalls, ice cream, a BBQ, and a face painter. DJs kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day, adding to the sense of community and celebration. The event was organised by Kelly, daughter of our Oxygen Co‑ordinator Angela and manager of the Maytree Pub. She and her team put in a huge amount of work to make the day run smoothly. A quiz and raffle added to the fun, with an impressive selection of prizes up for grabs, including Bristol City tickets, a tattoo voucher, a Bike, a paintballing experience, a £50 pub bar tab, and several other donated items. Every ticket sold helped raise funds and awareness for The Brightwell. By the end of the day, the Maytree team had raised an incredible £2,257.26. Their support helps us continue providing vital services to our community, and we’re extremely grateful for their effort and enthusiasm. A huge thank you goes to Kelly and the Maytree Pub team for organising and hosting the event, to everyone who volunteered or donated prizes, and to all who attended and contributed. Your involvement genuinely makes a difference. If you’d like to explore ways to support us, you can learn more here.

We thought that it might be useful to share some of the key slides and notes from the presentation at our AGM, held at the Centre on 28 May 2026 WOEMSTC – The West of England MS Therapy Centre BTC - Bristol Therapy Centre Limited Membership Numbers: WOEMSTC: • Over 2025 we had 329 active members, a new high watermark, up from 311 in 2024 and 299 in 2023. • We closed February 2026 with snapshot at 280 active members and have picked up 49 new members over the last 3 months. • Total membership, including BTC reached 500 in 2025, the highest recorded across all years shown (2021-2026). • The 2026 snapshot shows a total of 416 user subscriptions and trading arm registrations to date, and we expect that these will continue to grow throughout the year to surpass the 500 levels at the end of 2025 (At this point last year we had 351 subscribers to our therapies). BTC: • There was a drop in BTC registrations through 2025 on the previous year, (57 active registrations in 2025, down from 75 in 2024), though active participation remains broadly consistent. • The downward trend in total BTC numbers that began in 2025 has continued into 2026 - currently, we have 13 active registrations through the trading company. We put our costs up temporarily in May last year and although these were reviewed again in July and decreased they are still higher than they were in 2024 with no incentives for block bookings. We will be reviewing BTC engagement strategies and contribution levels further. o For the first time, South Gloucestershire overtook Bristol in 2025 as the single largest source of service users (180 vs 147). In 2024, Bristol was just top (155) with South Glos close behind (154), the shift was anticipated and has now materialised. o North Somerset is stable at 72 (vs 73 in 2024), effectively no change. o Bath and NE Somerset grew slightly to 18 (up from 17 in 2024). o Wales dipped slightly to 17 (down from 25 in 2024), we are monitoring this as it could reflect transport or referral pathway changes. o Gloucestershire grew to 16 (up from 13 in 2024), and Wiltshire appears as a named category for the first time with 10 individuals, again we believe this reflects improved awareness of the Brightwell and our services and potentially a lack of services in those areas. o The 'further afield' group includes Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Devon. o Overall, the geographical spread has broadened very slightly; the Centre is reaching into more named counties than in 2024. • MS remains the single largest condition group at 35%, which is unchanged from 2024. With 157 people, indicating a stable MS community at the Centre. • The number of people with Fatigue/CFS/ME has grown in 2025, and I felt it was worth splitting these so that we can better compare this group alongside the other conditions we see. (It accounts for 9% of the centre-wide caseload). This reflects the continued post-pandemic impact. • Long Covid, while still significant, appears to be slowly consolidating, if grouped with CFS/ME into a broader Chronic Fatigue & Post-Viral category there would be 65 individuals in total. • The number of people with Stroke we saw in 2025 also increased to 18, which suggests growing clinical focus and volume and adds validity to going out to give talks to groups like Bristol After Stroke, amongst others. • Cancer numbers are stable at around 33. Breast and prostate cancer remain the largest sub-groups that come for therapy. Oxygen • MS remains the largest single group at 28%. • ME/CFS is now tracked separately in the Oxygen dept at 36 individuals (14%) a significant category. • Long Covid in oxygen reduced to 24 (down from 45 in 2024), reflecting a gradual normalisation of post-pandemic demand. These patients may now be classified under ME/CFS. • Other neuro remained high at 50, showing the breadth of neurological conditions we support across departments. • Musculoskeletal (23) and Cancer (31) both held steady in the Oxygen dept. Physiotherapy • MS accounts for 48% in the physio department, and is still the dominant group. • Other Neuro grew significantly: to 27%, the Physio team continues to see an extraordinarily diverse neurological caseload. - again reflecting their evolving clinical scope. • Overall neurological conditions still account for around 90%+ of physiotherapy attendees, underlining our unrivaled specialism in neuro-physiotherapy. • Total therapy sessions in 2025 continued to grow across almost every modality, this is a strong performance following the record-setting numbers in 2024. • Hyperbaric Oxygen went up very slightly to 6,251 sessions in 2025. • Isobaric Oxygen grew from 935 (2024) to 1,181 (2025), a 26% increase. The 2024 introduction of dedicated isobaric induction sessions has clearly embedded well and is driving growth. • Physiotherapy sessions grew by 100 to 4,256, a continued upward trajectory from 2,771 sessions in 2022. • Group/Exercise sessions grew by 148 sessions to 2,375, another year of steady growth, reflecting the expansion of tailored classes. • Complementary Therapies saw a 46% increase. This is a very positive sign of growing demand for holistic support. • Talking Therapies dipped slightly, but still a strong result given the service was only established in 2023 with 1 person delivering the sessions. The service appears to be settling into a sustainable level of provision. To download all 24 slides, including the Financial data from our Treasurer, please click below. If you have any questions about any of this information, please call us on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

National Carers’ Week 2026 will be celebrated from June 8 –14 with the theme of ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’. Here at the Brightwell, we’d also like to celebrate and show our appreciation of the role and all the contributions that carers make by holding a: Carers Open Drop-in Session: 1 pm-3 pm on Thursday 11 June. We will be providing hot drinks and cakes, an opportunity to meet other carers, and a variety of useful information will be available. Any carers* in the Brightwell community of those who attend the Centre for treatments, support or activities are very warmly invited to come along, but please let Reception know by Tuesday 9 June if you plan to attend, as this will help us with planning and catering. We look forward to welcoming you to the Drop-in Session! A carer, as defined by the NHS, is: “…anyone including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and who cannot cope without their support”. The care they give is unpaid. Carers' Information Corner You may be aware of the Carers’ Information Corner we have already created at the Centre and the Carers’ Group meetings we have held. However, we are keen to hear from carers about how the Centre can continue to best support you, so the Drop-in session event, together with a survey below, will be an opportunity to let us know your views. Brightwell Carers’ Survey If you are a carer and can find the time to complete this brief survey to help us work out how best we can help, we would be very grateful. Please click on the link below to access the survey. If you would prefer to complete a paper version, please ask for a copy at Reception. All responses need to be received by 1st July 2026. The Brightwell Carers Survey – Fill in form Once we have reviewed all the responses and feedback, we will share the results online and in The Brightwell Newsletter and let you know how we will be implementing any changes or suggestions. Many thanks for your help, and we hope to see you at the Drop-in on Thursday 11 June!

The Brightwell would like to express our sincere thanks to Bradley Stoke Town Council for their fantastic support throughout 2025/26. We were honoured to be selected as one of the Mayor’s chosen charities and truly appreciate the commitment the council has shown to supporting local causes. During the year, the council organised several major community events, including the Summer Community Festival and the November Fireworks Night, and chose to use these occasions to raise funds for the Mayor’s charities. Thanks to their hard work and the generosity of everyone who attended, The Brightwell received £2,925.10. This funding directly supports our work with people living with neurological conditions and helps us continue providing essential therapies and services. We are also delighted to share that The Brightwell has been selected again as a chosen charity for 2026/27. Our heartfelt thanks go to 2025/26 Mayor Natalie Field, 2026/27 Mayor Jenny James, and the entire Bradley Stoke Town Council for their continued support and belief in the work we do.

Today, Monday 1 June, marks the beginning of Volunteers Week 2026.. Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. Here at The Brightwell, we simply could not operate without the dedication and support of our wonderful Volunteers across all aspects of the Charity. On behalf of every member of staff, service user, carer, family member and supporter, we would like to say a massive “Thank You! We like to emphasise how important it is that we celebrate the support we get from all our Volunteers every single week, not just on this specific week. Our Volunteer Oxygen Operators are fully trained, knowledgeable experts. Many have decades of experience. They run five / six sessions a day, five days a week and help support our Oxygen Coordinator to keep this department running like clockwork. Our Fundraising and Events department has a dedicated group of Volunteers who support the team with administrative work, the Brightwell Shop, collections and collecting tins at multiple locations and organise and support fundraising and social events at the Centre and beyond, as well as give support in all other areas of fundraising. There is also a host of tasks that go on behind the scenes, including the running of our IT systems, database, website and communications as well as making sure that we are H&S compliant. Support is given by a number of dedicated and expert volunteers in their fields, which would cost the Centre a substantial amount if we had to buy this expertise in! Our Café team relies on the goodwill of brilliantly hard-working volunteers, and our Reception team counts on the support of a select group of equally brilliant volunteers that professionally carry out any manner of reception duties from answering the phone to booking in appointments and using the database. Our beautiful Therapy Garden and grounds are managed by our green-fingered gardening volunteers, with help from time to time by groups from our corporate supporters. Who are also giving up their time to volunteer for us. A Special Tribute to Keith Gilbey During Volunteers' Week Our volunteers are at the very heart of this community, and Keith embodied everything a great volunteer should be; kind, friendly, reliable, and utterly committed. It feels only right, then, to celebrate his life during Volunteers' Week. As part of our tributes to all our wonderful volunteers, we will be honouring Keith as one of our Star Volunteers, and we warmly invite his Centre friends to join us for tea and cake on Thursday, 4 June at 2 pm. All volunteers, staff, and members are most welcome to join us. Doro Pasantes, our CEO, would personally like to take this opportunity to thank each Volunteer who gives up their time at the Brightwell! We will also be holding our annual “Volunteers Thank You Party” later in the year. THANK YOU!” If you would like to find out about becoming a Volunteer at the Centre or supporting external events, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/volunteer

An unexpected diagnosis can make the world feel like it has suddenly shifted beneath your feet. For those recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the initial days, weeks, and months are often filled with a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, fear, uncertainty, and an endless stream of questions about what the future holds. But if there is one message to take to heart, it is this: An MS diagnosis is a new chapter, not the end of your story. And you do not have to navigate it alone. Every year on May 30, the global community comes together to mark World MS Day. Spearheaded by the MS International Federation and its global partners, this day is all about raising awareness, sharing life-changing stories, and building solidarity. The Theme: My MS Diagnosis The official campaign theme for World MS Day is My MS Diagnosis, running under the empowering tagline: navigating MS together. This campaign shines a much-needed spotlight on the diagnosis journey itself. It advocates for early and accurate diagnoses, pushes for better training for healthcare professionals, and highlights the global barriers people face when trying to get answers. Most importantly, it aims to build informed, caring communities that wrap their arms around individuals from the very moment they receive their diagnosis. Receiving the news that you have MS can feel isolating, but World MS Day reminds us that there is a massive, global network of people who understand exactly what you are going through. Newly Diagnosed? Why the First Steps Matter When the shock of a diagnosis begins to wear off, the question usually becomes: What now? While disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and clinical treatments prescribed by your medical team are foundational, managing MS effectively is a holistic, long-term journey. This is where finding a local, supportive community and accessing specialised physical and emotional therapies becomes vital. In the UK, one of the most powerful lifelines available to you is The Brightwell. How The Brightwell Helps You Find Your Footing The Brightwell is a specialist neuro therapy centre dedicated to bridging the gap between clinical hospital appointments and daily life, providing practical, life-enhancing support. They are also proud members of the Neurotherapy Network. If you are newly diagnosed, here is how The Brightwell can help you take control of your health from day one by offering: Specialised Physical Therapies Neuro-Physiotherapy: Both one-to-one and group physiotherapy designed to combat muscle weakness, stiffness, balance issues, and fatigue. Managing symptoms early on can significantly impact your long-term mobility and quality of life. The Brightwell provides access to knowledgeable, experienced physiotherapists with neurological specialism, who understand the complexities of MS. Accessible Gym & Fitness: Gym spaces equipped with specialist, accessible machinery alongside expert advice to help you safely maintain strength and cardio health. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A non-invasive technique aimed at stimulating oxygen delivery through the bloodstream, which many living with MS find highly beneficial for symptom management. Emotional Support & Counselling An MS diagnosis takes a toll on your mental health just as much as your physical health. Coming to terms with a chronic condition requires time and emotional processing. The Brightwell offers access to professional counselling, to help you navigate anxiety, depression, or the simple stress of adjusting to change. A Ready-Made, Understanding Community Perhaps the greatest hurdle of being newly diagnosed is the feeling that nobody truly understands. When you step through the doors at The Brightwell, you are greeted by an active, welcoming community. Through informal talking sessions, social events, and peer support, you can connect with others who are walking the same path. It's a space where you can share tips, vent without judgment, and realise that a fulfilling life continues long after a diagnosis. The Brightwell also has a social space with a café and has regular accessible events for you to enjoy. Carers Support At The Brightwell, we understand that an MS diagnosis affects the whole family. There are inevitable shifts in relationships, finances, careers as well as the emotional toll. Carers and loved ones play an essential role in day-to-day life, carrying a huge and often heavy burden of responsibility. However, they may feel that their own knowledge is limited, and that there is nowhere to ask the questions they need to ask. Sadly, too their wellbeing can often go overlooked. That is why The Brightwell warmly welcomes carers as part of our community. Whether it is accessing guidance on how best to support someone with MS, finding a friendly ear from others who share the same experience or having a quiet cuppa, carers will find a compassionate, understanding space at The Brightwell. The Brightwell also provides access to a range of specialist clinics and Advice Services, as well as holistic Therapies, acupuncture, reflexology and massage. Navigating Your MS Diagnosis Together This World MS Day, let's break down the isolation that so often accompanies a medical diagnosis. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with MS, remember that clear information, effective symptom management, and deep community support are out there. Explore the resources, toolkits, and global stories over at World MS Day to see how the world is uniting for change. And to find practical, hands-on help right on your doorstep, visit The Brightwell. A specialist centre and proud member of the Neuro Therapy Network, to connect with experts who can help you confidently navigate your next steps.

For many individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions, hot weather and increased body temperature can significantly worsen symptoms. This phenomenon, often referred to as Uhthoff's phenomenon or heat sensitivity, is a common challenge, affecting between 60% and 80% of people with MS. While the effects are temporary and do not cause permanent damage, they can be highly disruptive to daily life. Understanding why heat impacts MS and implementing effective coping strategies are crucial for maintaining comfort and quality of life. Why Heat Affects MS Symptoms The exact mechanisms behind heat sensitivity in MS are still being fully understood, but several factors contribute: Nerve Conduction Impairment: MS involves damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibres. Myelin helps nerve signals transmit quickly and efficiently. When nerves are demyelinated, even a slight increase in body temperature (as little as 0.25 to 0.5 degrees Celsius or 0.5 to 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit) can further slow down or block these already impaired nerve signals. This leads to a temporary exacerbation of existing MS symptoms. Temperature Regulation Issues: In some cases, MS lesions can affect the parts of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. This can impair the body's natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels to release heat), making it harder for individuals with MS to cool down effectively. Increased Core and Skin Temperature: Heat sensitivity can be triggered by a rise in core body temperature (e.g., from exercise, hot baths, fever) or even by an increase in skin temperature from direct sun exposure or a hot room. Common symptoms that may worsen in the heat include fatigue, blurred vision, muscle weakness, numbness, difficulty concentrating, impaired balance, and cognitive issues. Practical Strategies for Coping with Heat While heat sensitivity can be challenging, a range of practical strategies can help individuals with MS stay cool and manage their symptoms: Environmental Control: Seek Air-Conditioned Environments: During periods of extreme heat and humidity, staying in air-conditioned spaces is paramount. This could be your home, a public library, a shopping mall, or a designated cooling centre. Optimise Your Home: Use fans, air conditioners, or portable cooling devices. Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to keep rooms cooler. Consider window tinting or blackout curtains. Strategic Scheduling: Plan outdoor activities, errands, or exercise for the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Personal Cooling Techniques: Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of cold fluids throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can also help. Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration. Cool Showers or Baths: Taking a cool shower or bath can quickly lower your body temperature. Even a cold foot bath can provide relief. Cooling Aids and Garments: Many products are designed to help you stay cool: Cooling Vests: These vests contain ice packs or circulating cool water to lower core body temperature. Cooling Wraps: Neck wraps, wrist wraps, and headbands often contain gels or substances that can be pre-cooled. Misting Sprays: A spray bottle filled with cold water can provide instant relief. Cooling Towels and Pillows: These can be pre-chilled and applied to pulse points or used for sleep. Clothing Choices: opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo. Light colours reflect sunlight and heat more effectively than dark colours. Wet Hair: Leaving long hair wet can provide a cooling effect through evaporation. Ice and Ice-lollies: Sucking on ice cubes or eating ice-lollies can help cool you from the inside out. Activity Modification: Adjust Exercise Routines: Exercise is beneficial for MS, but it can raise core body temperature. Consider exercising indoors in a cool environment, swimming in an unheated pool, or scheduling workouts during cooler times of the day. Pre-cooling before and post-cooling after exercise can also be helpful. Avoid Overexertion: Listen to your body and pace yourself, especially in warmer conditions. Be Mindful of Hot Environments: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Communication and Support: Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: If you experience significant heat sensitivity, discuss it with your neurologist, MS nurse, or GP. They can help you develop a personalized management plan and explore options like cooling product programs. Educate Loved Ones: Help family and friends understand how heat affects your MS symptoms so they can offer support and adjust activities accordingly. While heat sensitivity can be an uncomfortable aspect of living with MS, proactive management and a variety of cooling strategies can help individuals navigate warmer temperatures and maintain a comfortable, active lifestyle. Staying Cool at The Brightwell The whole building is well ventilated, and the Oxygen Suite and the Physiotherapy Department have full air-conditioning. Outdoors, we have a fully accessible terrace area with a large gazebo providing plenty of shade. The Café has a range of chilled drinks, and there is free chilled water ALWAYS available. Should you be unwell at the Centre, we have fully trained first aiders on hand. Stay Cool. Keep Well.

Every year in May, the UK comes together to mark Stroke Awareness Month. It is a time to shine a light on a condition that changes a life every five minutes in the UK. Whether you are a survivor, a carer, or someone looking to understand the risks, this month is about two things: Awareness and Action. For 2026, the Stroke Association is continuing its vital "Make May Purple" campaign. The goal is simple but profound: to ensure that every stroke survivor has the support they need to find their "new normal." Why Awareness Matters: The FAST Test A stroke is a medical emergency. When the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, brain cells begin to die. Speed is everything. The faster you act, the more of the person you can save. The Stroke Association urges everyone to remember the FAST test: Face: Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms: Can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech: Is their speech slurred or garbled? Time: It’s time to call 999 if you see any one of these signs. The Journey Beyond the Hospital While the immediate medical response is critical, the journey doesn't end when a patient leaves the hospital. In fact, for many, that is where the real challenge begins. A stroke can affect everything from how you walk and speak to how you feel and think. This is where specialised, community-based rehabilitation becomes a lifeline. How You Can Get Involved This May Make May Purple: Wear purple, bake purple treats, or light up your building purple to start conversations. Know Your Risk: High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke. Use this month as a reminder to get yours checked. Stroke Support at The Brightwell We are pleased to support many members living with stroke symptoms. Many benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy sessions or having one-to-one or group Neurophysiotherapy. We will be delighted to help you or your family with any queries you may have about how we can help you. Call us today on 01454 201686 or email hell@thebrightwell.org.uk