Patients rally behind the RAMS charity

Centre Manager Billy Joe Beck made an impassioned plea for funding in last week’s Star and his patients have been quick to share their stories about the treatment they have received at the Derriaghy centre.

The Dunmurry based charity was set up in 1985 to treat people with Multiple Sclerosis and has since extended its facilities to sufferers of strokes, neurological conditions, cerebral palsy, arthritis, fibromyalgia, ME and even sports injuries,

Last week it was revealed that after the therapy centre was devastated by major flooding in 2012, the charity has found itself quickly using up its finanical reserves to meet everyday bills and is now facing the very real prospect of having to close its doors at the end of the year.

Former Mayor of Lisburn, William Bleakes has been a patient of the RAMS Centre for a decade now.

“I have received oxygen treatment at RAMS for the last ten years,” explained Mr Bleakes, who was a councillor in Lisburn for 24 years.

“It has certainly enhanced my quality of life and that of many others.

“To see this centre closing due to lack of funding would be detrimental to the well being of many MS sufferers and those suffering from 
similar injuries.

“I would implore Lisburn City Council and the Health Minister Mr Poots to look again at help with funding this excellent resource that serves so many people.”

Another patient, Peter Haughey, said he “benefits greatly” from the services that RAMS offers.

“I have benefitted from the hyperbaric oxygen and other treatments provided for approximately two years,” he explained.

“I have Multiple Sclerosis and derive great benefit from not only the treatments provided but also from the support and professionalism 
of the staff.

“I strongly believe that the services provided significantly assist in my abilities to deal with this challenging condition and enable me to continue in my full time employment as a solicitor.

“I hope that the difficult financial circumstances that the centre faces can be resolved to ensure that the centre continues to be in a position to provide the treatments and services from which I and many others greatly benefit.”