MS LIFE 2012

World-leading MS research to be showcased at MS Life in Manchester

The MS Society has announced that Manchester is to host its flagship national event, MS Life - Europe’s largest event of its kind – for the third time when it returns to the city from 14^th-15^th April.

The free two-day lifestyle event will take place at Manchester Central and is aimed at everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), whether personally or professionally.

Providing an impressive programme of speakers, MS Life 2012 will allow attendees to learn about the latest in MS research from experts including renowned Professors Robin Franklin and Charles ffrench-Constant who are leading the MS Society’s groundbreaking Centre for Myelin Repair and the Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research.

There will also be a plethora of individual workshops covering a range of topics for visitors to attend, while the exhibition space will be split into separate zones. Within this space, visitors will be able to gain one-to-one advice and information from the Support, Employment, Mobility and Lifestyle Zones as well as meet the event speakers at the Meet the Experts Zone. On a further interactive level, visitors will also be invited to take part in activities such as yoga and pilates at the Get Active Zone, while the Spa Zone will offer the chance to relax with a massage or complementary therapy.

MS is a complex neurological condition with many symptoms which might include fatigue, vision problems and difficulties with walking. In the UK, over 100,000 people have MS.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society, revealed the popular event, which has seen around 7,400 visitors and over 200 exhibitors over the course of previous years, will be bigger than ever before. While the event is free, people are being urged to sign-up to confirm their place as soon as possible.

Simon says: “MS Life 2012 will have the theme ‘Get Active’, tying in with the Olympic year, so a range of activities will be on offer to celebrate this. In addition to research talks from world-renowned scientists, there will also be complementary health, relaxation and beauty sessions and exhibition stands offering support, information and advice on MS, so we are advising those hoping to come along to book their place early.”

A number of interactive workshops will take place during the course of the event, from advice on how to manage symptoms, such as fatigue and tremor, to how to keep active with MS through cycling and exercise. Also included in the comprehensive programme are workshops on childhood MS and how positive psychology can be of benefit.

A colourful Wheel & Walk fundraising event, following the streets of Manchester will allow participants to take in famous landmarks like Albert Square and Manchester Cathedral while raising money for the MS Society. The 6km route is suitable for wheelchair users and buggies and it is hoped families and friends will join in the fun. The past two Wheel & Walk events held at MS Life have raised over £20,000 for the charity and it is hoped that a significant amount of funds will again be raised this year.

Simon adds: “Anyone with a connection to MS will benefit from the range of information available during the weekend. This is the best time for people to find out what scientists are doing to beat MS as well as take part in the more fun aspects of the event.

“MS Life has made its mark in Manchester, cementing a strong presence in the North West region and we have received enormous support from Marketing Manchester which we are very grateful for. The event in 2008 gained support from Manchester United’s Danny Wallace, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes so we are delighted to be back hosting MS Life in such a fantastic and responsive city.”

For further information about MS Life 2012 and to book a free place, please visit www.mssociety.org.uk/mslife or call 020 8438 0941.

Ends

Media contact

Michelle Oliver, Vicky Sanderson or Kim Bailey

Golley Slater Public Relations

Michelle.oliver@golleyslater.co.uk / Vicky.sanderson@golleyslater.co.uk / kim.bailey@golleyslater.co.uk

0191 2459020 / 01943 484848

Notes to editors

· Previous MS Life events were successfully held in 2006 and 2008, both in Manchester and most recently in 2009, when the event took place at The Sage Gateshead in Tyne & Wear.

About MS and the MS Society

• The MS Society (www.mssociety.org.uk) is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by multiple sclerosis (MS), providing an award-winning freephone helpline(0808 800 8000), specialist MS information and funding more than 70 vital MS research projects in the UK.
  
  
• MS is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults and an estimated 100,000 people in the UK have MS.
  
  
• MS is the result of damage to myelin - the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system – which interferes with messages between the brain and the body.
  
  
• For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern.
  
  
• Symptoms range from loss of sight and mobility, fatigue, depression and cognitive problems. There is no cure and few effective treatments.