Support available for people affected by multiple sclerosis
Ealing's Multiple Sclerosis Society is trying to track down up to 200 people in the Ealing area who are affected by multiple sclerosis to offer its help.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition which damages the central nervous system and affects the body by causing pain, debilitating balance problems, fatigue, loss of muscle strength and dexterity, among other symptoms.
Ealing and District Branch chairman, Mike Twomey, said records indicated there were about 400 people with MS in the area of Ealing and surrounds.
�Our group knows of roughly 200 people affected by MS, but it's clear to us that there's a lot of local people out there living with MS who may be unaware of our work. It's these people we're hoping to track down and offer our help,� he said.
�Naturally, some of these people may not require or be interested in contact with us, or may have circumstances which prevent much interaction with our group, but we'd like the chance to extend the hand of friendship and assistance where we can.
�MS is a widely varying condition, it's highly individual � for some people, it is characterised by relapse and remission, for others it has a progressive pattern, but for everyone, it makes life unpredictable.
�So it's impossible to know whether these 200 people may have mild symptoms or seriously debilitating MS.
�We'd also encourage carers of people with MS to contact us if they'd like assistance or the opportunity to meet and socialise with others in the same position.�
The Ealing and District MS branch can offer advice and assistance to MS sufferers regarding medical help; it has regular social events and provides information about products or opportunities to assist sufferers, like disability-friendly computer techniques or respite holidays.
For further information on the Ealing and District MS branch, contact Mike Twomey on 020 8998 8217 or 07985779027. The MS Society's free helpline is 0808 800 8000 or www.mssociety.org.uk
April 18, 2006
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