Prime Minister personally thanks Scots MS volunteer
● Woman with MS honoured for years helping others
A Scottish woman who has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for more than 20 years has been personally thanked by Prime Minister Theresa May for her volunteering work at a Downing Street reception.
Lillian Malcolm, 67, was diagnosed with MS in 1994 and began volunteering for the MS Society shortly after receiving the news.
Ms Malcolm, from Dundee, was part of a group of members of MS Society Scotland who attended the event to represent their local organisations and the hard work taking place throughout the UK.
Around 150 MS Society
volunteers, supporters and ambassadors from around the UK attended the event.
Ms Malcolm 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.”
Msaffectsmorethan100,000 people in the UK. It is often painful and exhausting, and can cause problems with how people walk, move, see think and feel.
Mrs May 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.”