Community
17 December, 2025
MS group gathers for Christmas
A SUPPORT and exercise group for people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) gathered at the Cobden Golf Club for their Christmas break-up.
The group was formed with the intention of building a support network for people in the region with MS and other neurological conditions to help them stay fit and mobile.
On Wednesday, December 10, the group got together to celebrate the year and reflect on the good times they’ve had.
Group member Kathy Merrett said the group has been getting together for about seven years and has been great for support.
“We’ve all become really good friends – we lean on each other, we laugh, we cry and we just give each other support,” she said.
“It’s just knowing we’ve got each other’s backs.
“If you’re having a bad day you can ring each other and talk and have a chat – it’s so important, it’s amazing.
“We have laughs and we have tears – but usually happy tears.”
Carole Manifold runs the classes in the gym rooms at the Cobden indoor pool and said there are attendees in the group who come from far and wide to get the support they need.
“They’re finding new things now that they can do. With MS, that’s so important,” she said.
“We have them coming from here, there and everywhere. They come from as far as Derrinallum even.
“The support that they can get from each other is great, because they’ve all been diagnosed.
“I think it’s fantastic. It’s great to spread the word about the group so people find out about it and they can join in the group.
“I think it’s absolutely wonderful that we’ve got this group going.”
The group meets once a month and does chair-based exercises, helping with mobility and keeping fit.
The group will start meeting up again in February next year after a short holiday break.
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