Northern Ireland National Council

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The MS Society Northern Ireland Council represents people affected by MS in the province, and works on their behalf.

The Council is responsible for MS Society Northern Ireland’s strategy, and is accountable to the Society’s UK board of trustees.

The Council works alongside the staff team in Northern Ireland, as well as local MS Society branches, to beat MS.

During 2012 the Council will meet on the following dates:

Wednesday 8th February
Wednesday 11th April
Wednesday 6th June
Wednesday 5th September
Wednesday 7th November

Margaret Bagwell

"I was finally diagnosed with MS in 2000. My first episode occurred when I was thirty years old and five months pregnant - over the years I had frequent episodes, mostly in the form of back pains. I spent a small fortune on chiropractors, osteopaths and spiritual healing, with no benefits. Now everything fits together like a jigsaw puzzle.

My doctor gave me publications from the MS Society, and they opened the door to better understanding about MS. Up to this point I knew absolutely nothing about the condition.

When I went to the MS Society, full of trepidation, I was welcomed immediately with open arms and immediately felt at home with the people I was so fortunate to meet. I'd like in some way to pass on my experience to those newly diagnosed with MS. To coin a phrase, "I've got MS, MS hasn't got me"!

Liz Connor,

"I was born and raised in Enniskillen where I still live, and have been a member of the Fermanagh branch since it started in the late 70s. I'm now secretary for the branch.

My mother was diagnosed in the 60s, and after my father died, my sister and I became her principal carers. My experience with MS on a personal and professional level means I can make a worthwhile contribution to the council. I want to give a voice to those living with MS."

Ian Cooke, Council Member

"In 1974 my wife Iris was diagnosed with MS, a condition that we knew very little about. It was then that we first turned to literature from the Society for practical help and information.

I want to use my personal experience as a husband and carer of someone with MS for the good of the Society, its member and those who will be diagnosed in the future with this condition.

After 34 years of experience of living with MS and the symptoms and challenges it presents, I hope I can speak and work honestly for the rights of people with MS."

Pat Crossley, Council member

“I have been Secretary/Support Officer of the Ballymoney branch for almost 30 years and am aware of the day to day needs of people affected by MS.

I do my best to raise awareness of MS - fundraising and speaking. I did a parachute jump which raised over £9,000.

I endeavour to build relationships with politicians, emphasising the need for services for people affected by MS. My involvement on various boards ensures I keep up to date with charity law and provides valuable contacts.

I was a hospital medical records officer, retired to become a full time mum and now enjoy a fulfilling active retirement!”

Peter Eakin, Chair

"I got involved with the MS Society 15 years ago, as a committee member with the Foyle branch. I'll admit that I didn't know much about MS at the time.

Over the years I became more involved with our branch, and I've been chairperson for the last six year. We have a wonderfully active group of volunteers who make a great difference to people affected by MS.

I know there is a big job to do, and I enjoy that challenge. We've got to keep the most important aspect of our work in mind - that we're here to help everyone affected by MS."

Derek Follis, Council Member

“I have had MS about 26 years and have experienced the effects of MS from walking to now being in a wheelchair.

I was on the Northern Ireland Social Care Council Carers and Users Reference Group since its inception and the Registration and Conduct committee for three years. As the Council was the governing body for social work/care in Northern Ireland it gave a good insight into all aspects of disability.

I have lectured in Queens University on the effects of disability. I have been involved with my own MS group for a number of years and am supportive of all aspects of fundraising.”

Sean Gibson, Council Member

"I was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2004, and am a chartered accountant with experience working for not-for-profit companies.

I feel I can bring the positive energy to the council that has enabled me to deal with MS. I am a team player, a motivator and a creative thinker.

More importantly, I am very positive when it comes to MS."

Derek McCambley

"I was diagnosed with MS in 2005. I benefited greatly from the Society's help when I was newly diagnosed, and now I want to help ensure that everyone affected by MS has equitable access to relevant, high quality support.

I've worked for various voluntary sector organisations during my career, including the MS Society.

I believe passionately that the MS Society can really make a difference to the lives of people affected by MS."

Pamela McMillen, Vice Chair

"I became a member of the MS Society in 1968 when my husband was diagnosed. We had been married for six months. I know the effects MS has not only on the person with the condition, but on the whole family.

I'm Vice Chair of the Omagh branch. I've got a background in nursing - my experience as a senior manager has given me experience in planning, development and management.

The MS Society was there for me when I needed it. Now I want to give something back."

Naomi O’Loughlin

I am 32, married, and a mum to two boys, Ryan age nine and Kieran age eight. I studied Molecular Biosciences and worked in Microbial Research for a brief period. I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS six years ago and I became involved with Foyle MS Society a year later. I am currently Vice-chair of Foyle MS Society, and served last year as Chair.

I am extremely passionate about our MS Society and I believe I have a lot to contribute in ideas and experience. Whilst everyone’s MS is unique, we all have similar issues and concerns such as family, relationships and career. We all have the ‘right to a full life’."

Dr Ram Ramachandran

"I am a retired researcher in organic chemistry, and have taught the subject at graduate and post-graduate level. Nearly sixteen years ago, after vaccination for travel for travel to India, my wife Chitra became ill with the symptoms that were quite similar to those of MS. After four years, doctors confirmed she had MS.

My wife and I became regular members of the local MS group about ten years ago. We began to understand that MS affects people differently and no two people are similar."

Janet Williamson

I was diagnosed with MS ten years ago. During my struggle to accept my diagnosis my local branch were extremely supportive, and as a result I became involved in Newry Branch.

I have represented the branch as Chairperson for the last five years, during which we have established an office base providing information and support to those affected by MS. During this time we have tirelessly raised money to establish services including weekly art and yoga classes. These classes are not only aimed at improving the self confidence of people with MS but to try to prevent social isolation.

I am married with two children and a grandchild. My family have been a great source of support to me over the last ten years and have been very proactive in helping with fundraising in the Society."

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