PEOPLE with multiple sclerosis in Oxfordshire now have easy access to their support centre, thanks to an automated door system paid for by the Gannett Foundation.

The foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett, the parent company of Newsquest, which owns the Oxford Mail.

Twice a year it provides grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 to charitable projects.

One organisation that received a grant in recent years is the MS Therapy Centre in Milton Park, near Didcot, which has been supporting MS patients for 26 years.

It offers members treatments including time in oxygen chambers, which relieves pain and im-proves bladder control, and sensory perception.

Two years ago the centre, which also offers osteopathy, reflexology and physiotherapy, received a Gannett Foundation grant for £2,632.

Chairman Mark Walker, from Hinksey Hill, Oxford, said the centre spent the cash on a new automated door, which has improved access to the building for users.

Mr Walker, 52, who has MS, added: “Thanks to the foundation we now have a smart new automated front door, which is much easier for disabled people to use than the old one.

“We really appreciate the support of the foundation and would urge other charitable organisations to apply for a grant.”

The deadline for applications for the latest round of grants is 5pm on Friday, October 21.

Oxford Mail deputy editor Sara Taylor said: “We want as many charitable organisations as possible to come forward. A grant from the Gannett Foundation could make a big difference.”

The foundation is looking for imaginative and ambitious projects which benefit the community, but organisations must be registered charities.

National charities have been ruled out and an organisation cannot apply if it has received a Gannett grant in the past two years. Also ruled out are state and private schools, hospitals, animal charities, political causes and bids to cover day-to-day running costs.

For more details about the MS Therapy Centre, call Sue Doran on 01235 832023 or email ms.therapy@btconnect.com Download an entry form at www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/community/gannettfoundation/