The donation came from Transform MS, a University of Plymouth spin out company that was established as a community interest company (CIC) – a rare set up within the research sector.

Unlike most spinouts, a CIC is established to ensure that its activities and income are used to deliver an agreed social purpose that benefits the community. In 2024 Transform MS is doing this by donating to causes like the University of Plymouth and other organisations supporting people with neurodegenerative conditions.

Characterised by symptoms such as fatigue and muscle spasms that get worse over time, there is currently no cure for MS.

In addition to finding out more about the condition to help drive treatments for the future, SWIMS creates a community of people interested in MS research and shares the latest news, trials and studies for people living with it now.

Research participant Kate Mitchell is proud to be involved.

She said: