MS Society in fresh no confidence vote over Leuchie House closure

CAMPAIGNERS trying to save a respite home for people with severe multiple sclerosis are planning a vote of no confidence in the board of the MS Society.

Leuchie House, pictured, in East Lothian may face closure in October and is one of four centres around the UK the charity is planning to close.

Millionaire author Joanne Kathleen Rowling quit as Scottish patron last year, saying she could no longer be associated with a charity that had "changed beyond recognition."

Moni Robson, from the Save Leuchie Campaign, said the Georgian house near North Berwick offered vital respite care to people in the advanced stages of multiple sclerosis.

"There is no-one else in Scotland or in the North of England that can provide this kind of specialist care," she said. "It's a lovely house with a lovely atmosphere. It is just the kind of place you want to be for a relaxing holiday."

Campaigners plan to introduce a no confidence motion at the charity's annual meeting next month, as well as a motion opposing the closure of Leuchie House, Helen Ley Centre in Leamington Spa, Woodlands in York and Brambles in Surrey. Unlike the other respite homes, Leuchie is not owned by the society, but leased for 1 a year from Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple, who lives in a new house in the grounds.

Sir Hew said: "It is all very, very unfortunate. It is very sad because the MS Society has had the lease since the 1990s.

"When my father died it was his wish the house should be put to religious or charitable use to do good for other people."

Under the terms of the lease, the MS Society will remain responsible for the upkeep and repair of Leuchie for the next two years, whether the home is closed or not.

Ann Butterfield, from Paisley, who goes with her husband Ian to Leuchie House every year on a family holiday, said: "This is such an important issue because Scotland has the highest incidence of MS in the world - and we are losing the only respite home we have.

"To say I'm feeling anxious is an understatement. Without it we don't have anywhere we could go as a family which could cope with my husband's needs and I don't see me getting any respite at all."

Labour MSP for East Lothian Iain Gray said he believed the MS Society- facing a no confidence vote for the second time in two years - was losing credibility.

"I think this is a terrible decision. I have visited Leuchie many times and seen the first rate service provided. It is a unique service that helps MS sufferers and their carers."

A spokesman for the MS Society said: "The decision faced by the board on respite care was how to best meet the varying needs of people affected by MS right across the country and how to use our resources for maximum benefit.

"Until now, about 1,300 people with MS have received residential respite care from the Society at our four centres each year. However, across the UK, many tens of thousands of people with MS and their carers, including those with the most severe needs, need support and we will now be able to devote resources to address that."