Northern Ireland Council

Kate Laverty (Chair)

I’m a passionate third sector leader. I’ve served 11 Northern Ireland-based charities as an office bearing trustee, and held two public appointments. My MS diagnosis in 2016 brought me to a sharp realisation of the MS Society’s work. I wanted to contribute to the development of an organisation which has such an impact on world leading research, and to campaign as a community for our rights in a bid to stop MS.

Jennifer Coulter

Since being diagnosed with MS in October 2015 I’ve played an active role in the MS Society.

I feel passionately about the benefits of diet and exercise and keeping positive outlook. I’m actively involved in fundraising for the MS Society. For a recent MS Society Gala Ball my husband and I collected ten raffle and auction prizes.

I also frequently participate in 10k runs. I regularly speak in public to raise awareness of MS and share my experiences of running a business with a disability.

Tom Hunter

I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS over 11 years ago.

I used to work in London in the city as a broker. After being diagnosed I retrained as a counsellor and psychotherapist. I set up the volunteer counselling service for the MS Society Northern Ireland and I commit 14 hours a week to the service.

In 2017 I was awarded the MS Society Volunteer of the Year which I feel very honoured to have won.

I've previously served on the Northern Ireland Council for six years and found it extremely rewarding. I see people with MS as my family and I will do everything I can to enable them to have a fulfilling life.

Simon Matchett

I was diagnosed with relapsing MS in November 2012, aged 32. I studied Criminology and Law in Edinburgh and worked as a Practice Manager in an optometrists until my MS became too difficult. I returned to Northern Ireland in July 2013.

I joined the Ards and North Down Group committee in early 2015 and was voted in as chair in April 2016. I‘m also a support volunteer.

I play an active role in fundraising and information days and I’m passionate about raising awareness of the MS.

Derek McCambley

I'm 56, I'm from Bangor and I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2005.

My work background is in the voluntary sector, and I’ve had range of management and development roles. I've been volunteering with the MS Society since my diagnosis. That was the best move I made following the turmoil of my diagnosis.

I've gained a lot from this and being part of the Northern Ireland Council allows me to give something back to the MS Society.

I believe passionately in the aims of the MS Society and have represented it on various bodies, most recently the MS Service Specification Working Group.

Philippa Watson

I was diagnosed with MS in June 2017, aged 24. It can be easy for people to fall into negative thoughts about MS and what the future might hold.

As a council member, I want to encourage others to focus on the good and not let a diagnosis of MS change their expectations on what they can achieve in life.

I’m passionate about our campaigns, giving a voice to those with MS in Northern Ireland. I have MS, but MS does not have me.

Natalie Ash

I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2019.

As a full time worker and mother of four young children I had to establish my feelings about my diagnosis and what living with MS would mean for me, my family and for my future.

I am delighted to be a member of the Northern Ireland Council and I am keen to support other parents living with MS and their families. I encourage positivity when dealing with all our challenges and I want to give back to the MS Society through my involvement with the council. I am keen to help disseminate the most up to date information available to people living with MS and our supporters with regards to developments in treatments, research and MS Society services.’
 

Iain Crosbie

I was diagnosed with MS in 2004. 

In my working life I was a Senior Project Manager for a large multinational Company and worked in Europe and North America until my medical retirement in 2009.

I felt my skills in managing diverse, multicultural and multilingual projects have some relevance to the council activities, as well as my understanding of governance and compliance issues.

In previous roles I have been a Branch Chair, Research Network Member (and continue to be) and also served previous 2 terms on the Northern Ireland Council.
Working with the Council team again would be my privilege.
 

Siobhan Allister

My name is Siobhan and I have been living with MS for 12 years. I have been involved with the Fermanagh MS Group for 12 years, and in 2018, I was awarded a BEM for my services to the community.

I have been on the Northern Ireland Council for 6 years and I am a representative for the MS Society, run by the health commissioners. I am the Coordinator, Support Volunteer and Health & Safety officer for the Fermanagh group. To date, I have raised over £85,000 for the MS community.

My interest at heart is always the MS community and I strive to create positive change by supporting those newly diagnosed during their waiting time to see a neurologist.

Campaigning for MS awareness is incredibly important to me. I am also an advocate for mental health awareness, as I know how isolated and vulnerable people can feel, especially in the current circumstances.

Anna Magennis

I was diagnosed with rapidly evolving relapsing-remitting MS in October 2012, shortly after I turned 16. Growing up with MS has given me a unique perspective. MS is an incredibly isolating illness for many. But young people have to navigate school, university and gaining independence.

At the age many people are experiencing their first symptoms, I have 10 years of experience that I hope can help other younger people. I am currently studying a Masters in Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast and my research is focused on repairing the damage caused by MS.