A Telford mum has won a national award after setting up a support group for young people with multiple sclerosis.
Rebecca Naylor, 27, from Shawbirch, was presented with the MS Community of the Year award in London last Friday by the actress Georgia Slowe, best known for her role as Perdy in TV’s Emmerdale.
Rebecca, who has a young son James, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when she was 21 and when she was unable to find a support group for people of her own age she decided to set up her own.
Now, nearly a year later, her group has around 30 members with an age range of 25 to 38.
She said: “I’m so pleased to have won this award. It’s hard for young people to be diagnosed with MS and then not have the relevant support that they need.
“I have put Telford on the map. Hopefully the main thing to come out of these awards is that other branches around England can think ‘If this one girl can come up with a group for young people, I can too’.”
The awards recognise individuals and groups who make a difference in the lives of those affected by MS in the UK.
Rebecca set up the umbrella group called CLUB MS which includes a mother and toddler group, an exercise group and a social group for younger people with MS.
Rebecca said her condition started at 18 but was not diagnosed until she was 21. “At the age of 18, like so many others, I started off with the classic symptoms of pins and needles and mobility problems which my doctor was quick to blame on a trapped nerve.
“Three years, two MRI scans and a lumbar puncture later, I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. My social life suffered, so from the age of 18 my friends became reluctant to invite me out and when I did go out I felt like a burden.
“Considering most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40, I was surprised by the lack of young MSers to talk to. I decided to start up my own group as the local MS Society branches had unsuccessfully been trying to attract younger members for years.
“One of my first recruits to the group was Sturcha Wynn and with her help the group is now flourishing.”
For more information or to join the group call Rebecca on 07972-614307.
