World Development Systems is proud to congratulate Susie Cornell for the contribution she has made to the care and support of people with Multiple Sclerosis, and we are proud that our technology forms a central part in her treatment regime. The images below were taken at Buckingham Palace on November 20th 2007 during Susie's investiture by HRH The Prince of Wales.

After receiving her award from Prince Charles, Susie and her husband Ian met their friend, TV personality Anthea Turner, and John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon and East Chelmsford, for a celebratory lunch in the House of Commons.

We reproduce below the press release that was issued when her award was formally announced in June 2007.

Susie Cornell has devoted her life to helping others. Her work with people who have health and mobility problems has been tireless, and her dedication to the community as a whole, outstanding. Susie herself was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1974 and was told that she would be wheelchair bound within six months.

To further her understanding and management of the disease, Susie was the first British person to go to the world-famous Peto Institute in Hungary, bringing back with her inspiration and hope to so many people with Multiple Sclerosis. Her work is recognised throughout the world via exercise videos and her book “The Complete MS Body Manual” which gives positive help to all those diagnosed with M.S.

An award from Here's Health, a national health magazine recognised how she had changed peoples lives through her work and was instrumental in showing how she helped others with disabilities by having a positive attitude and a lot of determination.

Susie now runs an Assessment Centre for people diagnosed with MS and other degenerative conditions, offering positive help and advice/management through diet and physical therapy. People come to see here for help and advice from all over the world. This is just a sample of what patients that come to her say :"Susie's work holds something much more precious than just a hand out for all those who have MS; a wealth of sound, positive advice and information ladled out generously with a special seasoning that is Susie's uniquely optimistic style".

She was part of a National Charity (ARMS) - now The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) -, and pioneered the setting up of the first Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber to help people in the treatment of MS. Her participation included fund raising and encouraging people to help themselves through diet, exercise, HBO and other self help programmes. Susie continues to work with this Charity.

The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) gave her a Lifetime Achievement Award for pioneering the introduction of exercise for people with disabilities into Health & Fitness Clubs, working with fitness professionals and helping to raise the profile of those with disability problems thus breaking down the barriers between healthy people and those with limited mobility. Susie's own Health & Fitness Club also received “Club of the Year” award as a result of her unique and diverse work helping fitness trainers and therapists to work positively with disability.

As a Trustee for a local charity that supplies mobility aids and scooters; she is inspirational, enthusiastic, hard working and dedicated and encourages people to be more independent by using a Shopmobility scheme, proving that having a mobility problem does not mean giving up one's independence. Again, a shining example of how the community can work together by raising the profile of those with mobility issues.

In 1994 Susie was given the Chelmsford Borough Council Civic Award in recognition of her highly significant and sustained contribution to life in the Borough. She was also a patron for an NHS Hospital Trust Charity in Essex which provides rehabilitation for people with disabilities.

In 1995 she pioneered The Essex Awards which recognises both adults and children that have overcome many problems in their life and achieved in the face of adversity. It is a warm, humbling experience that stays in peoples' minds and is now one of the biggest award schemes in Essex. In 2004, H.R.H., The Countess of Wessex, gave her time to present these awards.

If it wasn't for Susie Cornell none of these people would have received this recognition.

Susie Cornell was also awarded the title of Deputy Lieutenant of Essex in 2004.