Right royal invite for Craig
An inspirational East Kilbride volunteer who supports people with multiple sclerosis has been invited to the Queen’s Garden Party.
Craig Herbert, 45, who was diagnosed with MS in 2004, has been volunteering with MS Society Scotland for over a decade.
The dad-of-four, from Calderwood, is a Living Well facilitator and helps to deliver the charity’s Living Well with MS sessions for people newly diagnosed with the condition.
And MS Society Scotland is so grateful for Craig’s contributions that they nominated him to attend next month’s special event at Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse.
When the letter dropped through Craig’s door inviting him to the regal occasion, he said:“My first thought was that I hope my MS behaves and doesn’t come along like an uninvited groupie! I also hope that the sun is shining.”
Accompanying him on the day will be wife Claire, who is in her final year of training as a Deacon for the Church of Scotland.
Craig said:“We are really looking forward to the day. It’s a great honour to be thought of in this way by MS Society Scotland.
“I have only ever considered my volunteering role with The MS Society as a way of giving something back and helping others in similar situations to those I’ve faced. Never did I think that I’d be considered to attend such a prestigious event.”
Craig, who also volunteers as a puppy walker with Guide Dogs Scotland, said:“I was lost when I was diagnosed with MS, but volunteering helped me. I’m a stronger person through my volunteering. Before I was diagnosed I wouldn’t have been able to stand in front of people and lead sessions like I do now.”
Morna Simpkins, MS Society Scotland director, said:“I would like to wish Craig congratulations on his well-deserved invite to the Queen’s Garden Party. Craig has been an outstanding volunteer who has made a real positive impact on people living with MS.
“More than 11,000 people in Scotland are affected by MS which can affect how a person thinks, feels and moves.
“Without volunteers like Craig we could not continue to carry out the work we do to help support people through sessions like Living Well with MS.”