McArthur supports MS Awareness Week
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has pledged his support for this year’s MS Awareness Week.
Orkney has the highest rate of MS (multiple sclerosis) in the world, with research estimating that the condition affects around one in 250 Orcadians, and incidence has been increasing for at least five decades.
MS Awareness Week 2025 is taking place from 28th April to 4th May. The theme this year is ‘MS Conversations’. The MS Society, MS Trust, MS Together, MS-UK, Neuro Therapy Network, Overcoming MS, Shift.ms and Talks with MS are all working together to start conversations. Whether explaining the condition to a loved one or asking an employer for support, conversations can make a difference.
Commenting on the campaign, Mr McArthur said:
“Most Orcadians will know somebody who lives with MS and will be familiar with the impact it can have on a person’s life. Yet people with the condition can often find it difficult to talk about.
“As such, I strongly support the goal of this year’s Awareness Campaign to help people start those conversations about MS that can help them get the help they need.
“I also want to pay tribute to the local MS Society group for the work they do all year round supporting those in our islands affected by MS. We may have the highest incidence of MS, but Orkney is fortunate in having one of the most active community support networks in the country as well.”