A HAMPSHIRE charity which has raised £1m for people with multiple sclerosis is about to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its first fundraising event.

The Geoff Smith Foundation is named after its founder, who was diagnosed with the disease more than 20 years ago and decided he wanted to raise awareness of the condition.

In 1998 Geoff, 64, gathered his family and friends and set about raising some money for MS.

He said: “Twenty years ago myself and best friend Mark Bulley decided that we should have a charity golf day.

“It was a huge success and we then agreed to do one more the following year. As they say, the rest is history.”

The foundation raised £40,000 in two years and bought a specially adapted minibus which was donated to the MS Society.

Following that Geoff raised £100,000 and bought a villa which is used to give MS sufferers and their families respite.

The Geoff Smith Foundation has also helped hundreds of MS sufferers by making their homes more accessible, buying specialist beds and a host of other items.

The charity has held a number of events over the years, including a 100km sponsored march taking in all five of the Normandy beaches used for the D-Day landings.

On May 26, the organisation will host its annual golf and gala day at South Winchester Golf Club.

Geoff said: “I have always had a wonderful group of people around me – trustees and friends – who have stuck with the charity from day one.

“To reach £1m is incredible for a small voluntary charity.

“We are nearing our 20th anniversary, and will carry on trying to help the people with this dreadful illness, for as long as we have the support.

“We are also looking to help develop new ways to treat and help improve the lives of those with MS. We could not do this without help from a wide range of supporters, including individuals, community groups, fun runners, walkers and businesses, large and small.”

Former Saints stars Matt Le Tissier, Richard Hall, Jason Dodd, and ex-Saints manager Dave Jones are all patrons of the charity.