One of our residents at Thames View has been turning her creativity into a force for good — designing and selling handmade jewellery to raise funds for the charity that supports her with her medical condition.
Selina, 54, was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in 2019. Initially misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, further investigations confirmed she was living with MSA — a rare neurological condition that causes the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain, affecting movement, balance and muscle control.
Selina moved to Thames View in March 2024 when she recognised she needed full-time support. It was Health and Wellbeing Lead Raquel Pena Aristizabal who first introduced her to jewellery making.
“It was Raquel who first got me interested in bracelet making after she returned from Colombia and raved about the beautiful beads there,” said Selina. “She started making her own beads and teaching us during activities. We made a Halloween bracelet with a skull charm, and I was so inspired that I created a Rasta-coloured one with ‘good vibes’ written on it.
“I’ve kept that one for myself because I love red, yellow and green — like my idol Bob Marley.”
Living with MSA has brought significant challenges.
“It has affected my motor skills, which has been especially difficult given how active I used to be. I now rely on others for much of my daily support,” she said.
“However, I’ve found real empowerment and joy in bracelet making. It has given me a sense of purpose and achievement, and it’s made a positive difference to my day-to-day life.”
With support from the Thames View team, Selina began selling her bracelets to raise money for the MSA Trust — a charity that provides specialist support and information for people affected by the condition – and has so far raised over £350.
“I’m grateful to be able to give something back,” she said. “The Trust has helped me so much, and this journey has given me a real sense of pride.”
Selina’s handmade bracelets are available to purchase via the MSA Trust’s website, with all proceeds going directly to the charity: https://shop.msatrust.org.uk/products/handmade-bracelets
Home Manager Paul Fenech is delighted to support Selina in her fundraising: “Selina’s a wonderful woman who has worked incredibly hard to give something back to the charity which she loves. It’s been wonderful to see the whole Thames View team come together to support her in her efforts.”
