HIS speech is impaired due to Multiple Sclerosis but that has not stopped one Ipswich man taking to the floor at a special ceremony.Bob Barnes was due to play a key role in celebrating the Sue Ryder Care's 50th Anniversary at the special ceremony in London today.

HIS speech is impaired due to Multiple Sclerosis but that has not stopped one Ipswich man taking to the floor at a special ceremony.

Bob Barnes was due to play a key role in celebrating the Sue Ryder Care's 50th Anniversary at the special ceremony in London today.

In front of a 500 strong audience of international Ambassadors, dignitaries, staff and guests, the resident of The Chantry Sue Ryder Care Centre in Hadleigh Road, was to speak about his strong faith and his relationship with the charity's founder, Lady Ryder of Warsaw.

With the assistance of Jenny Taylor, activities co-ordinator at the Chantry, Mr Barnes was wheeled out onto the stage at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey, to celebrate the work of the charity over the last 50 years.

Mrs Taylor has known Mr Barnes since he moved to The Chantry five years ago.

She said: "Bob leads a very full life and I'm privileged to be part of the team that helps him share it with so many people."

Mr Barnes is no stranger to appearing in public. He is active in the community, despite the neurological condition that reduces his mobility and sometimes makes it difficult to speak clearly.

He is a Lay Reader at Sproughton Church where he writes in their church magazine, as well as that of the church in his home village of Fen Ditton.

The Chantry opened in 1994 and has been providing neurological care for people ever since.

Sue Ryder founded Sue Ryder Care in 1953 with the opening of the very first care centre. She became Lady Ryder of Warsaw in 1974.

With her life-long determination and hard work, the charity developed, opening more care centres and over 430 of the now famous Sue Ryder shops. There are now 18 care centres throughout the UK.