I discovered MDS Patient Support Group not long after my husband was diagnosed with MDS about 4 years ago. The meetings were a great help to us, as they obviously were to everyone present. Despite Prof Mufti and the department’s best efforts John’s health continued to deteriorate and I gave up work July 2015. After he passed away in Oct 15 I decided I didn’t want to re-join the rat race but would need something to keep my brain active.
Chris Charlwood
I immediately thought of the support group and particularly how busy Sophie always was. Sophie not only made me very welcome but was thoughtful enough to worry that coming back to Kings might be upsetting.
I have now been working in the office since March 2016. Using my skills I am taking responsibility for the day-to-day money matters to free up Sophie to concentrate on the organisational and management tasks. Although I have no formal qualifications, I have worked in accounts all my life, mainly in manufacturing, so have a good, down-to-earth knowledge of all aspects including management accounting, budgets, payroll and purchase and sales ledger. I have strong Excel skills, have used both Sage Line 50 and Sage payroll and various other computing systems. Now that I have got a better idea of how the charity works I have started working with Sophie to move forward with the budgets she set up 3 years ago.
I intend to helping out in the office on a 1 day/week basis.
When not in the office I enjoy working in the garden and nurturing a collection of bonsai trees. I also enjoy needlework and crafts, reading and walking.
