The charity partner for Cereals 2023 will be the MSA Trust, the organisation support patients with Multiple System Atrophy which is a neurological disorder caused by degeneration or atrophy of nerve cells in several areas of the brain.
MSA can result in problems with movement, balance and autonomic functions of the body such as bladder and blood pressure control.
Organisers of Cereals 2023 have chosen MSAT as their charity partner because the host of the event, Thoresby Estate’s Gregor Pierrepont, has been directly affected by the condition. Mr Pierrepont’s aunt, Sarah Matheson, set up the foundation before she died of the illness.
The MSA Trust report that farmer, in particular, who have been diagnosed with the condition struggle because many refuse to slow down with work, accelerating the symptoms.
Sarah’s Wood, where the catering, networking and fundraising will happen during the event is the only dedicated public space for sufferers to reflect in a quiet space and for those who have died from MSA to be honoured. MSAT say that although physically, it is a grove of planted oaks in a small field, a new growth of Sherwood Forest, emotionally it is much more to these families.
Attending the event will be a selection of speakers from MSAT (including members, nurses and the Pierrepont family) who will be raising money and awareness for the charity through raffles, bucket collections, tree planting in Sarah’s Wood and brick laying along the memorial path.
Cereals 2023 will be the largest fundraising event for the charity to date, with 50% of the entrance fee going to the charity in addition to the other activities during the two-day event.
More information about the charity can be found at https://www.msatrust.org.uk/
