Dundee MS charity volunteer is praised by prime minister

Lillian Malcolm hailed as an inspiration by Theresa May at reception in Downing Street

A Dundee woman’s two decades of dedication to charity have been honoured by the prime minister.

Theresa May hosted a reception at Downing Street for the MS Society, celebrating the contribution of the charity’s volunteers.

Among those honoured was Lillian Malcolm, 67, from Dundee, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1994.

She said: “I’ve volunteered for the MS Society Dundee Group for over 20 years and it was such a new experience to be invited to Downing Street.

“MS runs in my family – my sister had it, my first cousin also lives with it as well as quite a few more distant relatives.

“I have a big extended family and I wouldn’t want any of them to get an incurable disease.

“So, while I can’t do as much as I used to, I continue to volunteer to help with research for my family.”

I was inspired to hear of Lillian’s incredible contribution to the MS Society in Dundee. THERESA MAY

The prime minister met and personally thanked a number of volunteers who had travelled from across the country to attend.

She said: “I was inspired to hear of Lillian’s incredible contribution to the MS Society in Dundee.

“From helping to develop new services for people affected by MS to encouraging new volunteers in the area, she has been a constant source of advice and support for so many.

“Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication.”

Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland, said: “The event was a brilliant opportunity to thank Lillian for all that she has contributed to the MS Society.

“More than 11,000 people live with MS in Scotland and there’s never been a more exciting time in research and treatments for this unpredictable condition.

“We believe, with the right investment, we can stop MS.

“The vital work that our volunteers like Lillian have done to help us towards this goal has been invaluable.”

Around 150 MS Society volunteers, supporters and ambassadors from around the UK attended the event.

More than 5,000 people around the UK volunteer for the MS Society.

Last year alone they gave more than 700,000 hours of their time to support people affected by MS.

MS affects more than 100,000 people in the UK.

Lillian Malcolm, front, was praised by Therea May for her dedication to the MS Society.