Empowering those with MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferer Nicola Pollock (left) and Multiple Sclerosis Otago field officer Jo Smith rest up in Wall Street mall yesterday as part of the society's appeal week.

Society staff and members were spending time on the bed, which represents the chronic fatigue sufferers feel, to help raise awareness of the neurological disease which affects the central nervous system.

It affects about 20,000 people in New Zealand and in Otago the society has 265 members. Ms Pollock (27), who found out she had MS eight months ago, said the society's support and help was very important.

The society held support groups, information and social evenings and made home visits. It is holding a street appeal today and all funds raised would stay in Otago.