For World MS Day patients have praised the work of North Cumbria’s Advanced MS Champion, Nicola Hyslop.

World MS Day begins on May 30 every year, aiming to raise awareness and bring together those who are living with the condition to share their stories.

The neurological disease is one of the most common causes of disability in younger adults and while it can develop at any age it’s more commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s or 30s.

It is three times more common in women and slightly reduces life expectancy.

The cause of MS is currently unknown, and at the moment there is no cure.

However, research is progressing quickly in the hope of finding one.

Nicola Hyslop, was appointed as the Advanced MS Champion for North Cumbria in July 2019, as part of an MS Trust funded pilot which established six Advanced MS Champions at sites across the UK.

Nicola’s role is to focus solely on the needs of people with advanced MS, as these people are often least able to access MS services, but have complex needs and are most vulnerable to otherwise avoidable complications.

Nicola said about her role: “The goal is to deliver proactive, holistic care and work across boundaries to coordinate and develop care pathways – which address the needs of this group of people.”

Nicola was recently invited to speak at the 24th annual virtual MS Trust, and delivered a workshop about “optimising respiratory function in patients with advanced MS”, and received proactive feedback from her peers.

One lady who is living with advanced MS, said: “Since accessing this service I have felt a sense of complete support, relief and comfort, especially during the current climate with admissions for COVID-19.

"Nicola has fully supported me all the way and I don’t think I could have coped without her support.

"I no longer feel at a loss with my condition.

"This service is invaluable to myself and individuals dealing with MS.”

Another service user, Dawn, who also has advanced MS, said: “Since meeting Nicola, I’ve had a steady stream of district nurses, physios, social workers, occupational therapists and wheelchair services.

"This proves she didn’t just sit listening to me – she took action as well, to which I can only say a massive thank you.

"I can with great pride say, I have a brilliant Advanced MS Champion.