Ballymoney volunteer Pat Crossley honoured as MS Society Northern Ireland marks 70 years
A long‑standing Ballymoney volunteer who has dedicated 40 years of service to supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) has been honoured at a special anniversary event at Parliament Buildings.
Pat Crossley received a Volunteer Impact Award from the MS Society Northern Ireland in recognition of four decades of tireless commitment to the local MS community, helping people living with the condition to access support, information and friendship.
“I never imagined when I first joined the Ballymoney group 40 years ago how much the MS Society and I would grow together,” Pat said.
"What has always mattered most is making sure people with MS don’t feel alone. Seeing how support, awareness and hope have grown over the years has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m very proud to still be part of it.”
The award was presented by the Health Minister as people living with MS joined policymakers, researchers and volunteers at Parliament Buildings at the beginning of MS Awareness Week.
Stewart Finn, Director of MS Society Northern Ireland, said the charity’s strength has always come from people like Pat, who show up for others year after year.
“What has always made the MS Society special isn’t just what we do, but the people who show up for one another. As we mark 70 years, we’re not slowing down. We will keep supporting people through our services and standing up for everyone affected by MS in Northern Ireland.”
The anniversary event also reflected on the growing role of research in improving outcomes for people living with MS, including the first anniversary of the Northern Ireland MS Research Hub at Queen’s University Belfast.
The hub is driving new understanding of the condition through close partnership with people affected by MS.
Caroline Millar from Antrim, who lives with MS and takes part in research trials, said: “Being involved in research helps give people with MS hope for the future. If my small contribution helps someone diagnosed years from now have a better outcome than I did, then that feels incredibly worthwhile.”
The MS Society Northern Ireland provides local services across the region while campaigning for better access to neurological care and support, working alongside volunteers, people with lived experience and policymakers to improve quality of life for everyone affected by MS.