'Weeks of work' to reopen flooded therapy centre

A therapy centre for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is expected to need weeks of work before it opens after "devastating" flooding.

The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, was flooded on 28 August, when storms brought flash flooding to the West Midlands.

The centre was established 40 years ago to provide high-dose oxygen therapy to people with MS. It also offers physiotherapy, massage, Tai Chi and Reiki.

Centre manager Paula Anderson said: "We think we're going to be out of action about five weeks by the time the carpets are taken up and replaced and redecoration and stuff," Anderson said.

Anderson said the damage had been upsetting for everyone at the centre.

She said: "The pure volume of water coming up through the drains at the bottom of the hill and then coming down the bank into the area where the car park just absolutely flooded the back end of the building... all into reception, into our oxygen chambers, which our members use, so it was quite devastating".

For the high-dose oxygen therapy, people enter a chamber where atmospheric pressure is increased, which the centre said can help with symptoms such as inflammation.

"It's a bit of a lifeline for some," Anderson said.

The chambers are at floor level, and about seven inches (17cm) of floodwater got into them.

The building is currently closed in the aftermath of the flooding, as staff and volunteers work to get water out and dry the building.

Anderson described it as being "like a scene from Fantasia", the Disney anthology film, famous for a scene in which Mickey Mouse uses magic to clean a sorcerer's castle.

Insurers sent industrial dryers on the day of the flooding, but it is not a quick fix.

"We've got a fantastic team of volunteers and they're all sort of left-work age up until their 80s," Anderson said.

Members of the public have sent messages through the centre's social media pages, while other therapy centres have offered help.

"It's really nice to see - a nice community feel which gives you a lift," Anderson said.

Some upcoming plans to raise money for the centre have changed, such as a cake week which was postponed.

However, it is still due to celebrate its 40th anniversary with an upcoming gala.

"We can crack on now and that'll give us a lift, get the preparations done for that," Anderson said.

Members, volunteers and people who have supported the centre are expected to attend.

Anderson added: "The centre is here because of our amazing members, volunteers and supporters, and we will do everything we can to get through this together."

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