AN Ealing man who lives with multiple sclerosis has been talking about the support he receives from the MS Helpline – as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The helpline was launched by the MS Society in November 1991 and last year alone it had 26,000 inquiries.
Aleks de Gromoboy, 58, was diagnosed with MS in 2011. He volunteers for the helpline but has also received support from the service in the past.
He said: “I phoned the MS Helpline after I was diagnosed because I was having a difficult time with my employer and I wanted to understand what my rights were.
“For the first time since my diagnosis, I was treated like a human being – MS wasn’t my defining feature.
“The person I spoke to was kind, caring and took time with me to discuss more than just the question I called about.
“I was left with a real sense of wanting to help, so I began volunteering as soon as I could.”
Aleks received training before taking up his role and now volunteers for half a day a week.
He added: “Calls range from people in tears, asking for emotional support, to professionals asking for information.
“The majority of calls are from people with MS, but we also have a large number of people affected by MS, like family or employers.”
www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/ms-helpline
You can also donate to the service at:
www.mssociety.org.uk/helpline-30
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