TAUNTON and Wellington MP Gideon Amos has pledged to campaign on behalf of people suffering from multiple sclerosis – a condition which affected his mother.

Mr Amos attended a Parliamentary event hosted by the MS Society, to learn about issues facing the multiple sclerosis community and to promote MS Week, which runs until Sunday, May 4.

The event – which followed the government’s recently announced plans to change disability benefits – saw MPs from across the political spectrum meet with people affected by MS.

Mr Amos said afterwards: “Having grown up with a mum with MS who overcame so many obstacles and challenges, and having served as her main carer at several stages of her life, I know how relentless this incurable condition can be.

“I'm glad that local people have raised it with me and have recently replied to one letter from a resident who asks simply for MS to be better understood.

“I’m very concerned about the proposed £5billion cuts to disability benefits, the biggest on record.

“It’s the wrong approach - the government should help people recover their ability to enjoy life and go back to work, if they are able, and then see how much that benefits society and the economy, rather than cut first and find out later.

“Disabled people deserve better. Please support the MS Society this week in any way you can.”

More than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, including more than 12,000 in the South West and an estimated 1,200 in and around Taunton and Wellington.

The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think and feel. Symptoms are different for everybody and often invisible.

But, once diagnosed, MS stays with someone for life, and over time, symptoms can get worse.

To find out more about MS, visit www.mssociety.org.uk