A heartfelt tribute to our Founder, John Simkins

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Founder, John Simkins.

John was unparalleled in his passion for supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis and even at 95, he remained in contact with the charity and followed our work.

In the early 1970s, John led a splinter group of members from the MS Society to found the charity Action and Research for Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS). The purpose was to fund research that was of interest to the MS community rather than medical professionals and provide more holistic support to support people in their day-to day lives to improve their physical and mental health.

Under John’s pioneering leadership, ARMS delved into groundbreaking research ventures previously unexplored, including revolutionary studies in diet and nutrition, innovative self-help techniques and advancements in diagnostics.

John’s prolific contributions extended beyond research, as he authored and co-authored numerous publications, offering invaluable insights into managing multiple sclerosis.

John’s compassion drove ARMS to provide vital support to individuals and families affected by MS, establishing a 24-hour helpline manned by volunteers working from home across the country – arranging such home working arrangements was a huge feat in itself at the time. John also travelled around the UK to support many local groups to set up therapy centres providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

He recognised the challenges people with MS faced in getting high quality, holistic support from their healthcare professionals and was passionate about providing information on every aspect of life with MS.

Sadly, ARMS folded due to economic pressures in the late 1980’s. However, not to be deterred, John and his wife Jean co-founded a new charity, the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (later to be known as MS-UK) keen to ensure support for the MS community continued. The helpline continued and John authored paper newsletters called Pathways, which were received by thousands of people across the country, and were the basis for our magazine New Pathways which was first published in 2000.

John’s unwavering dedication to the MS community, to provide holistic information and compassionate support, epitomise an enduring legacy that remains the cornerstone of our mission today.

Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends, as we say goodbye to a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather, a dear friend and colleague, and an inspiration to us all.