Iris nominated for national award

Iris Cooke has been nominated for MS Volunteer of the Year and will attend the prestigious MS Awards ceremony in London where she will be recognised for her contribution to people affected by multiple sclerosis.

Her volunteering work started 26 years ago when she set up a support and self-help group in County Londonderry which has given invaluable support and made a real difference to the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis.

"At that time people just didn't talk about multiple sclerosis," she says.

"I felt like I was the only one. Soon I realised there were many more people out there going through the same thing and there needed to be a way for them to talk and meet other people affected by MS.

"People with MS come with their carers or family members and we let them talk, ask or express anything that's on their mind and get practical support."

Iris added: "I'm so shocked and thrilled to be nominated for this award. It's taken hard work, dedication and the valuable work of the other volunteers to make sure the support group thrived."

A host of celebrities and famous faces from the world of TV and sport are expected at the award ceremony to be held at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London, next Thursday.

The MS Society Awards were created to reward individuals and groups for their hard work in changing lives for people affected by MS. The judges for the 'MS Volunteer of the Year' category were looking for people whose voluntary work has impacted positively on people living with MS.

Patricia Gordon, Director of the MS Society in Northern Ireland said: "Iris was nominated because of the hard work and determination she has shown in making a positive impact on the lives of people affected by MS. Her dedication and enthusiasm makes a valuable difference to our work and inspires others to do the same."

The winner of the award will be announced at the awards ceremony in London as a prelude to MS Week which runs from April 26 to May 2.