Weather presenter to support families with MS

Popular weather presenter Alex Deakin is helping Exeter families with multiple sclerosis.

On Saturday January 27, Met Office and former BBC weather presenter Alex will be joining an event for families affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) in Exeter.  

The MS Society’s ‘Digesting Science’ event aims to empower children and young people whose parents are living with MS. The interactive session involves games and activities which help children to understand the science of MS.

Alex, whose aunt has MS, is going along to meet the families taking part and will also get involved in the activities. 
Over 130,000 people live with MS in the UK, with 130 diagnosed each week. The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think and feel.  Symptoms are different for everybody and often invisible, but some common ones include fatigue, pain and mobility issues. 

Alex said: “I’m delighted to be coming along to this event. My aunt lives with MS, so I know only too well how much it can impact people’s lives. I also know how difficult it can be to explain the science behind MS. Events like this are so important because they enable conversations about what MS is within families.” 

Digesting Science was set up in 2013 by the Barts MS research team at Queen Mary University of London, after realising that parents needed support explaining MS to their children. Parents with MS and their children were involved in developing the activities. The programme is now being offered by the MS Society across the country. 

Sam Walker, Executive Director of Services and Support at the MS Society, said: “MS can affect people of all ages, but most people are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s – meaning that many people with the condition have young families. MS can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable, and it can be really challenging to get to grips with the science behind MS, let alone explain this to children. 

“Digesting Science is all about helping 6 – 12 year olds understand MS in a simple and fun way. We really hope this event will help children better understand their parent’s condition. We’re incredibly grateful to Alex Deakin for coming along and getting involved in the day’s activities.” 

The event will be held from 10am – 1pm on Saturday January 27 at the South West MS Therapy Centre, EX2 7EY. It is free to attend, but booking in advance is essential. Please contactkaren.tucker@mssociety.org.uk or call 07715428187.