Let's talk about MS: speaking out to help campaign

ALOCAL man has spoken out about his experience living with multiple sclerosis (MS) after years of keeping it private, in support of a national awareness campaign.

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Stewart Gould, 78, pictured inset, from the Shepton Mallet area, was diagnosed with progressive MS at the age of 61. Although he had experienced symptoms long before his diagnosis, he said it was pride that initially stopped him from discussing his condition.

Stewart is now taking part in MS Conversations , anew campaign for MS Awareness Week.

The campaign is a collaborative effort by the UK’s leading MS charities, including the MS Society, MS Trust, MS Together, MS-UK, Neuro Therapy Network, Shift.ms, Overcoming MS, and Talks with MS.

‘There are currently over 150,000 people living with MS in the UK, including an estimated 12,372 in the South West. The condition affects the brain and spinal cord and can impact how individuals move, think and feel. Symptoms vary widely and are often invisible, making it a confusing condition to understand.