AN inspirational woman from Inverclyde who has raised almost £30k for charity since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis has won a national award.

Louise Newman has raised over £28,000 through more than a decade of fundraising for the MS Society Scotland and has now received an 'impact award' from the organisation for her efforts.

The former school teacher, who was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2011, organises a pair of regular fundraisers to support the society.

Louise has held a fundraising event at the Gourock Pool, which features a variety of fundraising activities, almost every year since her diagnosis

She also organises a stall and raffle at the Georgetown Cup road cycling race and regular brings in thousands of pounds for her chosen charities.

Louise says she felt thrilled to receive recognition from the society for her hard work.

She told the Tele: "I've been doing this since 2011 and haven't had any official recognition before now.

"I'm closing in on £30,000 raised, which would be a great milestone.

"It's lovely to be recognised and be picked out for my contribution.

"I'm currently waiting for the next events to come up - I always do the swimming pool one and the cycling and they tend to happen at the same time.

"It's usually towards the end of the summer when I get fundraising and I'm looking forward to it again this year."

Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland, praised Louise's hard work and dedication to her donation drives.

She added: "We are all extremely grateful to Louise for her incredible and continued dedication and generosity.

"The amazing amount Louise and her supporters have raised for us over the last 12 years is helping us to support the MS community today as well as giving hope for the future.

"Funds raised by our fantastic supporters, like Louise, help pay for groundbreaking research that is leading to more and better treatments for everyone with MS.

"We will continue funding research until we have reached our ultimate goal of finding a cure for MS.

"In addition to raising funds, Louise is also raising vital awareness of what MS is and how it can impact people’s lives."