Greenock mum who was diagnosed with MS has been recognised for helping others with the condition

Moira Morrison was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS 36 years ago.

But the 69-year-old of Waverley Street refuses to let the condition hold her back and she has been volunteering with the Inverclyde MS Support and activities group for over 15 years.

In recognition of her work, the MS Society Scotland has now presented Moira with a long service award.

She told the Tele: "I've been involved with the support group since it started, so it's been over 15 years.

"It's really nice to receive this - it's lovely."

It was back in 1983 when Moira, a mum-of-three, was diagnosed with MS.

She said: "It was just after I had my son.

"MS wasn't very well known back then.

"But I have been very lucky that the medication that I'm on has kept me stable.

"I still have ups and downs but on the whole I feel lucky."

Moira says it was a chance meeting with other MS sufferers that led to the formation of the local support group.

She added: "A group of us went on a pain management course and we realised there was nothing in Inverclyde.

"We started meeting ourselves socially and we thought it might be a good idea to try and set something up for other people who have MS.

"That's how it all started."

Moira, who is mum to Carolyn, Katrina and Callum and is married to Allan, says she loves being involved with the group.

She said: "It's great because it brings people with MS together.

"Everybody is different in the way it affects them so it's good for them to talk to each other and know that they're not on their own."

Fellow volunteer Patsy Robertson, from Greenock, who has primary progressive MS, described Moira as 'an inspiration'.

She said: "Moira is tremendous, she's just great."

* The Inverclyde MS Support and Activities group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Your Voice in Clyde Square between 11am and 1pm.

All are welcome and you can get more information by calling Moira on 716572.