Mid Ulster group scoop title at glittering MS awards in London

Eilish Berry, Stephen Wallace, Alun Armstrong (actor who presented the award), Bernie Wilson, Margaret McVey.

The Mid Ulster Group were recognised for outstanding, growth, development and presence in the local community.

The group provide outstanding service and support to people affected by MS in the mid Mid Ulster area.

Charlotte Shirley who works for the MS Society and nominated the group.

She said: “They made my nomination very simple.

“Being the hard working, resourceful and multitalented group they are, they are a fantastic asset to people living with MS.”

On picking up the award group member Margaret McVey said: “We are so surprised, we can’t believe it.

“It means so much to be able to take this award back home and to share it with others.

“It will also spur us on to keep raising awareness of MS and working hard to provide local services.”

Several members of the group travelled to London for the awards ceremony, picking up their award from award winning actor Alun Armstrong.

Armstrong’s sister is a sufferer from MS and a few years ago he raffled the bicycle used by his character in the TV Series New Tricks to raise funds for the charity.

There was further success for Northern Ireland at the MS Society with Tom Hunter from Islandmagee winning ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and Olivia Black (11) from Enniskillen being highly commended in the ‘Young Carer’ category.

MS is an unpredictable condition that affects more than 100,000 people in the UK, 4,500 in Northern Ireland.

It’s different for everyone, but is often painful and exhausting and can cause problems with how you walk, move, see, think and feel.

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of the MS Society, said: “With over 100,000 people living with MS in the UK, the MS Society Awards are our way of celebrating and recognising the hard work and dedication of people who make a difference in the MS community.

“We are proud to recognise the work of the Mid Ulster Group at the awards.”

This year’s Awards were held on May 5 at County Hall in London.

The ceremony was attended by a host of celebrities and other household names from the world of TV, radio, music and sport.

Find out more about the MS Society Awards at www.mssociety.org.uk/awards The MS Society Awards have been celebrating the hard work and dedication of people who make a difference in the MS community since 2009.