Kirsty Williams AM

Kirsty calls for nominations for MS awards 2009

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon and Radnorshire is encouraging constituents in Brecon and Radnorshire to nominate outstanding people from across the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) community who are making a real difference to the lives of people affected by MS.

MS is a condition of the central nervous system which causes the body's immune system to attack myelin, a substance surrounding nerve fibres, causing confusion and delay in messages from the brain and spine. The condition can cause a variety of symptoms including loss of balance and mobility, extreme fatigue, depression and mood swings. There is currently no cure and few effective treatments, but with the right support and information people can continue their lives.

Kirsty said "This is a great opportunity to celebrate the stars of the MS community - from individuals to groups, volunteers to professionals; it's a chance to thank them for their outstanding work.

"A recent survey by the MS society found the true economic cost of MS in Wales to be more than £67 million. Over 70% of these costs come from care informally provided by members of the family. Clearly there are all too many unsung heroes in the MS community who deserve the boost which such recognition would bring. If you know anyone who you think deserves an award please do nominate them."

Notes:

The closing date for nominations is 30 June 2009. Awards will be announced at the MS Cymru AGM on Saturday 05 September 2009.

To nominate, write to MS Cymru Awards, MS Cymru, Temple Court, Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HA or email lang@mssociety.org.uk, with the following information:

• Your name, address, telephone number and email (if applicable)

• The name and contact details (as above) of the person/group/organisation you are nominating

• The category/categories under which you are nominating this person/group/organisation

• A brief statement, maximum of 500 words, as to why you think this person should receive an MS Cymru award. You should include in your statement specific examples of what this person/group/organisation has done and how this has benefited people affected by MS.

Award Categories:

• Volunteer of the Year - An individual whose volunteering efforts have made a real difference to the work of the MS Society in Wales and enriched the lives of people affected by MS.

• MS Professional of the Year - Open to all health and social care professionals whose work involves people with or affected by MS. This award will recognise an individual or team that has consistently shown a willingness to go beyond the call of duty for people affected by MS.

• Branch of the Year - This award will recognise the hard work and achievements of an MS Society Cymru local branch.

• Carer of the Year - An individual (family member, friend, or professional) or organisation (such as a care establishment) whose care has made a real and positive impact upon the life of someone with MS.

• Fundraiser of the Year - A fundraising group or individual who has caught people's imagination, met or exceeded fundraising expectations, increased awareness of MS, and been an inspiration to other fundraisers.

• MS Community of the Year - A group of volunteers and/or professionals whose activities have improved services and enriched the lives of those affected by MS. Examples of the type of work of this community may include providing information, education, therapies, support, social events, advocacy, transport, or addressing other support or service needs.

• MS Inspiration - This special award will recognise an individual who has proved an inspiration to the whole MS community in Wales

• MS is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40 (though it can be earlier or later). Women are almost twice as likely as men to develop MS. Once diagnosed, MS stays with the person for life, but treatments and specialist care can help people to manage many symptoms well. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. Around 85,000 people in the UK have MS. MS is the result of damage to myelin - a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. Although the cause of MS is not known and a cure has yet to be identified, research continues throughout the world.