‘Doubts over future of Helen Ley MS centre claimed my daughter’s life’

Angela Twomey, whose daughter Maureen had a severe form of multiple sclerosis, is so disgusted with the way the centre’s owner, the MS Society, is handling a proposed transfer, that she has sworn never to donate to the charity again.

Maureen, 55, died on January 22, just 12 days after Mrs Twomey moved her to Kenilworth Grange care home due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Helen Ley, which had been her daughter’s home for the past 13 years.

Mrs Twomey, 73, said: “Kenilworth Grange is a wonderful place, but she could not take the move.

“Once she realised she was leaving Helen Ley, that was it. She gave up. They have taken her home away.”

Maureen had lived in the centre’s court for permanent residents - but it now lies empty as all ten residents had feared that they would end up homeless, following the MS Society’s decision in 2010 that it was to end its residential respite care services.

It was announced in November that Castel Froma in Leamington was to take over the running of Helen Ley, but it was only on Thursday (February 23) that the two organisations agreed on the contracts - and to date no documents have been signed, leaving staff, residents and guests wondering what will happen.

Mrs Twomey said: “The society has handled this whole thing disgustingly. I have broken all contact with them and will never again give them any donations. I am giving all donations from Maureen’s funeral to Breast Cancer Care.”

Maureen had been diagnosed with MS at the age of 21 and cared for by her mother at their home in Leamington from then until 1998, when she moved into Helen Ley.

Barbara Williams, director of operations at the MS Society, said: “We were incredibly saddened to hear Maureen Twomey had passed away. We send our deepest condolences to her family and all who knew her.”

She said: “We recognise the continued uncertainty at this stage is not helpful for staff or guests but we remain focused on trying to achieve the best outcome for people affected by MS. We have extended our deadlines as far as possible to give this transfer the very best chance of success.”

The transfer is expected to take place in April.