It would be wonderful if there was a cure for MS one day but we are not putting our lives on hold waiting for it
DETERMINED SWINNEY WIFE’S HEALTH BATTLE
THE wife of Education Secretary John Swinney has spoken of her ongoing battle not to let multiple sclerosis hold her back.
Elizabeth Quigley, 45, faces daily challenges with the degenerative condition and she uses a walking aid to get around.
But it doesn’t stop her enjoying family life with MSP John and their six-year-old son Matthew.
And it hasn’t stopped the family enjoying their precious holidays in Scotland – thanks to the availability of beach wheelchairs,
Speaking about a trip to Tiree, Elizabeth said: “A big part of life for us is holidaying in Scotland – beaches and islands. But I thought those days were over.
“We saw a poster saying you could hire beach wheelchairs. I’d never seen them before and they’re amazing. Where my boys go, I go.”
BBC journalist Elizabeth is a tireless charity campaigner who makes time to raise awareness about MS.
Her condition has progressed since her diagnosis in 2000.
But Elizabeth refuses to feel sorry for herself.
She said: “There are many parents like us, dealing with disabilities of all kinds and doing their best not to let it affect their children.
“We were always determined my MS wouldn’t stop our son doing anything he wanted.
“It would be wonderful if
I’ve carried on working, being a parent and a wife. I’ve carried on being me ELIZABETH
there was a cure for MS one day but we are not putting our lives on hold waiting for it.
“I’ve carried on working, being a parent, being John’s wife. I’ve just carried on being Elizabeth.”
The mum is patron of the Perth and Kinross branch of the MS Society, who fight for Scotland’s 11,000 sufferers.
Elizabeth added: “I’ve done so much research on this, a TV documentary and radio programmes for the BBC.
“MS is a very Scottish condition. We have the highest rate of it in the world. But no one really knows why. Is it lack of sunlight, is it genetic or is it something else?”
Elizabeth uses a stick inside the house but relies on her walker or wheels to get around elsewhere.
She said: “I get to the football pitch and can sit on the seat.
“I suppose I’m lucky – the other parents have to stand.”
John said: “There’s never been a scintilla of, ‘Why me’ or, ‘Woe is me’ from Elizabeth. It’s all been about adapting life and enjoying all we have together.” ●A football match between a Raith Rovers FC all-star team and Police Scotland to raise funds for MS Scotland kicks off this evening at Kirkcaldy High School at 6.30pm. Raith Ladies goalkeeper Taz Tollan organised the match. See www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/taz-tollan