Woman giving ‘virtual hugs’ for MS awareness
A woman from Horsham is helping to spread ‘virtual hugs’ across social media to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS).
Philippa Charman is supporting the MSHUGS campaign being run by AIMS Charity (auto immune and multiple sclerosis) – a cause close to her heart as she herself has MS and had a stem cell transplant (HSCT) to halt its progression.
While many people are missing hugs during lockdown – and as one of the symptoms of MS is called the ‘MS hug’ – Philippa thought it would be a good way to spread the love while raising awareness for the condition and its symptoms.
The 53-year-old told the County Times: “As an MS sufferer I was so grateful to have HSCT two years ago, and I am proud to be part of a charity providing travel grants and information for this life changing treatment.
“You previously featured my ‘daring to dream’ campaign when I was fundraising for my treatment and I would also like to take this opportunity to virtually hug everyone who supported me. “
The MSHUGS campaign has already been shared more than100 times on social media since its launch in the lead up to Rare Disease Day on February 28, and ahead of World MS Day in May.
Paddy McCormack, chair of AIMS said: “At a time when we’re all missing our loved ones the sharing of a virtual hug is a great way to remind them that you care.
“At the same time, it’s also an excellent way to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, which affects over 130,000 in the UK alone.
“By sharing our MSHUGS campaign, and tagging their loved ones, people feel a bit closer to those they care about, while also raising awareness for this debilitating condition. We hope that, in time, this will bring us closer to a cure.”
For more about AIMS Charity, visit www. aimscharity.org