Northern Ireland Council

Catherine Doran (Chair)

I was diagnosed with relapsing MS in March 2009. I’m incredibly passionate about the work we do and the wide remit we cover, especially in our research.

I’m a member of the Foyle local group and I’m a huge advocate of keeping in touch with others living locally with MS. As a young woman I try and engage with others who may need help coming to terms with their diagnosis.

I have a blog - alifecopingwithms.blogspot.com - and continually keep in touch with others affected by MS on Twitter - @catdoran.

Ivan Prue (Vice Chair)

I’m 42 and have an aggressive relapsing form of MS. I was officially diagnosed in 2009. It was a hard pill to swallow because all I could think of was the negative side of the disease.

I’m passionate about raising awareness among newly diagnosed young people, their families and everyone who meets me. My passion is exercise, keeping fit and enjoying life. It's infectious!

It’s a real honour to be part of the Northern Ireland Council. I want to carry on reaching out and helping young folk and their families who are living with 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.

Andrew Taylor

In 2016, my mum passed away after living with MS for a long time. I decided I wanted to give something back in recognition of the support that my mum and dad received from the MS Society and health services.

I've worked in the pharmaceutical industry throughout my career, and some of my team worked on the development of the MS drug ocrelizumab. Playing my part in ensuring as many people as possible get access to life-improving treatments is very important to me.

I want to support members of the local MS community to maximise their own potential and in turn maximise the benefit to those living with, and affected by MS.

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.