Purpose and positivity are key for National Volunteers Week 2026, says Jack

Jack Darnes was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in October 2023 and has since been dedicated to living as healthy and positive a life as possible, adjusting his lifestyle to support his wellbeing.

Having benefitted personally from MS-UK’s services, he has already given back by fundraising for the charity through the Boston UK Half Marathon.

This experience inspired him to explore how he could contribute further, both personally and professionally, by joining our board as a Trustee in August 2025.

National Volunteers’ Week is a powerful reminder to pause and recognise the incredible people who give their time, energy and compassion to support others. Volunteering sits at the heart of so many charities across the UK, and it’s something I’ve come to value deeply – both personally and professionally.

In August 2025, I joined the board of MS-UK as a Trustee. While I bring experience from my role as a Director in the Fresh Produce industry – working in environments where governance, transparency and accountability are critical – my connection to this charity is rooted in something far more personal.

In October 2023, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Like many people, this brought uncertainty and a period of adjustment. Since then, I’ve focused on living as positively and healthily as possible, making changes to support my wellbeing and outlook.

During that time, I came across MS-UK and directly benefitted from the support and services they provide. What stood out to me immediately was the practical, empowering approach – helping people to take control of their condition and live healthier and happier lives with MS. That support made a real difference to me, and it sparked a desire to give something back.

My first step was fundraising, taking part in the Boston UK Half Marathon in support of the charity. It was both a personal challenge and a meaningful way to contribute to an organisation that had already helped me. But the experience also led me to think more deeply about how I could add value in a more sustained way.

Becoming a Trustee felt like a natural next step – it has allowed me to combine my personal experience with my professional background, supporting MS-UK’s mission while helping to ensure strong governance and long-term impact.

Volunteering as a Trustee is just one of many ways people contribute to charities like MS-UK. What makes this organisation special is the breadth of its community – those sharing their stories, the groups organising and engaging with MS-UK online activities, the fundraisers, and those delivering services and supporting others directly.

From local community champions to national events and online support groups, volunteers help MS-UK bring people together from all walks of life and from all corners of the UK with a shared purpose – to shape a world where people affected by multiple sclerosis live healthier and happier lives. Every contribution, big or small, plays a part in making a difference.

For me, volunteering is about purpose. It’s about taking something personal and turning it into something positive – not just for yourself, but for others navigating similar challenges.

I’m proud to be part of MS-UK and the incredible community behind it. During National Volunteers’ Week, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who gives their time, energy and passion to support others. You truly make a difference.