Dundee will use their first Scottish Cup Final appearance in 40 years to
help boost the fortunes of a charity dedicated to research into the causes,
cure and care of multiple sclerosis.
The Dark Blues have joined forces with the MS Society, a charity which has
been close to the hearts of all at Dens since former player Javier Artero
was diagnosed with MS and forced to give up his professional career.
Dundee players and officials will wear a special commemorative blue ribbon
on their lapels on Cup Final day to raise awareness of MS and the need for
more funds for research.
In addition, the club have bought 2000 ribbons which fans can purchase from
Dundee Direct in return for a donation to the MS Society.
The MS Society meanwhile - with Dundee's backing - are seeking permission
from the SFA and Glasgow City Council to undertake an official collection
outside Hampden on May 31st.
"Everyone at the club knows in their heart that a talented player like
Javier would have been with us at Hampden as a Scottish Cup finalist were it
not for his battle with MS," said manager Jim Duffy.
"I also have a good friend who has MS and I know how important it is to
continue to strive to find new treatments and to break new ground in MS
research.
"Millions of people will watch the final at Hampden and as a club we'll feel
proud if we can do a little bit to focus their attention on this very, very
worthwhile cause."
Notes to Editors
The MS Society is Scotland's largest charity dedicated to supporting
everyone whose life has been affected by multiple sclerosis. As a national
organisation, the Society provides a diverse range of services including
holiday centres and respite care; a freephone MS Counselling & Helpline;
grants for home adaptations and mobility aids; education and training;
specialist nurses and a wide range of information. The Society also
campaigns for better health care services for people with MS.
Research
The MS Society is the biggest funder in Scotland of research into the
causes, cure and care of multiple sclerosis. Over £1m of projects are
currently being funded at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Robert Gordon's
Universities. There is no government funded research activity for MS. All
of our research funding is achieved entirely by voluntary contributions.
Respite Care/Holiday Centres
The MS Society Scotland contributes over £700,000 per annum providing
24-hour respite care for people with MS, their families and carers, at
Leuchie House, North Berwick. The Society also provides fully adapted
self-catering accommodation at Ayr, Nairn and Southerness, Dumfries.
MS Nurse Fund
We are committed to increasing the number of MS Nurse Specialist posts in
Scotland. Usually nurses, but we do fund therapists or social workers, in
partnership with the NHS. Our current priority is to improve services in
rural areas, as well as ensuring that people who have been long-term
diagnosed with MS are appropriately supported.
Branches
Our branch network with more than 700 volunteers, many of whom have MS or
care for someone with MS, responds to local need, providing information,
informal support, practical and financial assistance to people affected by
MS. Branch committees work closely with care professionals to ensure a
co-ordinated approach and often take the lead in developing new services.
Branches provide thousands of pounds in grants to people affected by MS.
Policy and Campaigning
The MS Society is constantly campaigning for better healthcare services for
people in Scotland whose lives have been devastated by MS. Issues such as
better access to public buildings for wheelchair users; equal opportunities
for employment; access to prescribed medical drugs which can slow down the
progression of MS. The Society is determined to ensure that Scotland sets a
benchmark for the rest of the world in its services for people affected by
MS.
Insurance Services
The MS Society has worked with the insurance industry to devise some general
insurance policies for people with MS, their carers and supporters. However
the new tailored insurance products and financial services are not just for
people with MS - anybody can take advantage of the service and as the MSSS
receives a donation for every policy sold; so you would also be contributing
much needed funds to the work of the MS Society Scotland. For an instant
quote call 0800 7833 157.
Scottish Helpline and Counselling
Freephone 0808 800 8000
(10am - 10pm - 7 days)
Everyone affected by MS can turn to the MS Society Scotland for information
and support. Each year, thousands of people call our MS Helpline for
assistance.
Funding for all of the services provided by the MS Society Scotland is met
entirely by voluntary contributions. We require £1.6m per annum to continue
our work with and for people with MS.
10 Quick Facts about MS
· Scotland has the highest prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the world
· MS is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young
adults
· An estimated 2,500,000 people have MS; including 85,000 in the UK; over
10,400 in Scotland
· Diagnosis is generally between 20 and 40 years of age
· MS is rarely diagnosed under 12 or over 55
· Three women have MS for every two men
· MS is not contagious
· MS is not directly hereditary, but it can occur in more than one family
member
· There is no cure for MS as yet but there are now drugs which can modify
its course for some people
· Many symptoms of MS can be successfully treated or managed
MS Society Scotland
National Centre, Ratho Park, 88 Glasgow Road,
Ratho Station, Newbridge, EH28 8PP
Tel: 0131 335 4050 Fax: 0131 335 4051
E-mail: enquiries@mssocietyscotland.org.uk
Contact for the Dundee Branch of the MS Society Scotland can be obtained by
calling the national office on 0131 335 4050