Chorley mother's 10 year charity work raises over £30,000 in honour of her late daughter

A Chorley mother who lost her daughter to multiple sclerosis (MS) has been fundraising for the condition for over 10 years, raising over £30,000 for the MS Trust in her memory.
By Emma Downey
Published 27th Jul 2022, 15:45 BST
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Freda Armstrong, 87, from Chester Avenue, who lost her daughter Vicki Birkett, 59, last May, started fundraising when she was first diagnosed over a decade ago and says that future family generations will continue to uphold this legacy when she no longer can.

Grabbing the attention of MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle for her dedication to the cause, over the years she has held afternoon teas, coffee mornings and more recently a garden party.

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Freda, who also has a son named Alistair, 56, and two grandchildren, said: "As soon as Vicki developed MS I wanted to do something to help and a curator at St George’s Church asked me to get involved with the MS Trust holding events.

Freda Armstrong from Chorley, holds a photograph of her late daughter Vicki Birkett, who had MS. Freda has held many fundraisers over the past 10 years raising over £30,000 for the MS TrustFreda Armstrong from Chorley, holds a photograph of her late daughter Vicki Birkett, who had MS. Freda has held many fundraisers over the past 10 years raising over £30,000 for the MS Trust
Freda Armstrong from Chorley, holds a photograph of her late daughter Vicki Birkett, who had MS. Freda has held many fundraisers over the past 10 years raising over £30,000 for the MS Trust

"It started off with a strawberry tea 10 years ago which was very hard work as we ran out of strawberries.

"Vicki had lots of lovely friends who helped and we all thought she would get better."

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Describing her daughter, Freda who is a retired chairman of the board of governors at St Michael's C of E High School for 25 years, added: "Vicki always had a smile and lit up a room when she could walk in it.

Freda ArmstrongFreda Armstrong
Freda Armstrong
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"I received over 200 cards when she died and each one said that they would never forget her lovely smile.

"Vicki helped and supported me tremendously with fundraising when she could and now her friends help me.

"I shall continue as long as I can."

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.

Vicki Birkett who died from MS, had "a smile that lit up rooms"Vicki Birkett who died from MS, had "a smile that lit up rooms"
Vicki Birkett who died from MS, had "a smile that lit up rooms"

At present, there is no cure for it.

The MS Trust is a UK charity that provides information to help people with MS live the best life possible and fund MS nurses in the areas of greatest need.

The next fundraiser - a coffee morning, will be held in St George's Church on Saturday, November 5.

Related topics:Chorley

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