Schools 'Read-A-Thon' aims to raise awareness of MS (From This is The West Country)

Schools 'Read-A-Thon' aims to raise awareness of MS

9:00am Saturday 8th September 2012 in Cornwall

The inaugural Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Read-A-Thon is coming to schools in Cornwall this September.

The scheme aims to encourage children to develop their imaginations and literacy, and secure sponsorship for each book read from their friends and families.

One of the key objectives of the schools’ challenge is to raise awareness among young people of the lives of those with MS in the county.

 Malcolm Glister became involved with the MS Society through a friend, whose wife has MS, and is the Read-A-Thon Co-ordinator for the South Cornwall Branch, based in Redruth.

He said: “This is a fantastic and fun-filled way to teach young people about the reality of life with MS. Our recent survey showed that many people with MS in our region do not feel that their condition is understood, and many members of the public were keen to learn more about the symptoms. The Read-A-Thon will allow our young people to inform themselves while at the same time exploring the world of books.”

The campaign will see local schools and parents encouraging their students to read as much as possible, and sponsoring them for every book read. All students involved in the Read-A-Thon will be eligible to enter a competition to win the favourite trilby of Oritsé Williams from JLS, and a signed photograph.

Oritsé’s Mum has MS and he was her carer as he was growing up. The prizes will be awarded based on how many books the students have read and why they think it is important to raise funds for the MS Society. All proceeds from the school-based initiative will be used to help people with MS in Cornwall.

Mike George, from Truro, has cared for his wife for forty years. He said: “One thing that has made a huge difference has been the support we’ve received from the MS Society. The charity plays a key role in the future of MS by investing millions in research and running branches all over the country which support MS Nurses and provide grants for equipment needed by people with the condition.”

MS (multiple sclerosis) is one of the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. It is the result of damage to myelin (the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system) which interferes with messages between the brain and the body.