Who are We? In 1994, a small group of people, each with a family member with MS, started an appeal fund to set up an MS Oxygen Therapy Centre in Cardigan. Up until then patients had to travel to Swansea for treatment. In 2002 about £100,000 had been raised, the premises in Cardigan were leased and all of the equipment purchased. This included the hyperbaric chamber and compressor along with many o
ther items. The Centre registered as a charity in March 2002 and began treating patients with MS and other medical conditions that benefited from oxygen therapy treatment. Who can we help? The Centre was established originally to help people with Multiple Sclerosis. However, as research and time goes on, we are finding there are more and more people who can benefit from Oxygen Therapy. A few examples are:
• Those with fractures or sports injuries
• Fibromyalgia / ME
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Cancer patients
In addition, we are one of only two Centres in Wales that can treat children with the following:
• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Cancer
• Severe Acne
What is Oxygen Therapy? The air we breathe normally carries enough oxygen for our bodies and is carried round the system in our blood cells. With some illnesses and injuries damage to tissues reduces blood flow and stops oxygen reaching and repairing the area. So, just when more oxygen is needed, the supply is reduced and recovery may be limited or even prevented. By placing a person in a barochamber under pressure we can increase the concentration of oxygen in the blood and body fluids. This in turn means that more oxygen is reaching the places where it is needed. The extra oxygen has additional benefits because it greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria. It also reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas. The Cardigan Centre
The unit in Cardigan is an informal atmosphere for people to receive Oxygen Therapy. The chamber itself is located in the main room alongside a meeting area and childrens play area where members gather for a drink and a chat. This provides a valuable source of support and social interaction. We have a therapy room where members can receive massage therapy and reflexology and an exercise room which houses a toning bed and medi-bike for assisted exercise. There is also a private room for confidential discussions or just for peace and quiet. Running Costs
As a small charity we rely solely on local support, fundraising and donations. We receive no funding and find it very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain grants for day-to-day running. Everyone who operates the Chamber does so on a voluntary basis. Our running costs for 2019-2020 were just over £38,000. This is all raised through local groups and individuals holding fundraising events.
