My friend Emma inspires me to stop MS
Dame Jacqueline Wilson is the award-winning author of the Tracey Beaker children’s books and a Stop MS Pioneer. She shares what and who inspired her to join the Stop MS Appeal.
I was asked if I’d be interested in joining the Stop MS Pioneers by Sir David Bell (the Chair of the Pioneers). We were both Pro Chancellors at Roehampton University.
‘I was impressed by the work of the MS Society and its determined professional approach’
I was impressed by the work of the MS Society and its determined professional approach. The Stop MS Appeal is practical and makes sense.
And when I saw for myself the ongoing research, I felt huge progress was being made. It seems a very worthwhile cause to support.
Making connections through the Foundling Museum
Sir David Bell and I are also involved with Coram – a charity that helps vulnerable children. It’s closely associated with the Foundling Museum in London, where I have done a lot of work, writing my series of books about a nineteenth century foundling child.
I was humbled by her courage and determination and cheerfulness.
My friend Emma Middleton, the Curator of Artists’ Projects at the Foundling Museum, has MS herself, though I knew her for several years before I realised this.
Writing MS into my book
I asked her many questions and learnt a lot about this condition and the many ways it can affect you. She’d hate me saying this, but I was humbled by her courage and determination and cheerfulness. She asked if I’d ever put a character with MS in one of my books and I promised I’d do my best.
My narrator in my recent book for teens ‘Love Frankie’ has a mother with MS (I’ve kept my promise to Emma!). I tried to imagine what it would be like for both mother and daughter - and feel they both cope valiantly, especially as there are a lot of other things going on in their lives at the time.
‘I’m sure there is real hope for the future’
I think MS research and treatments are progressing rapidly, and I’m sure there is real hope for the future.
Stop MS Pioneers raise £1 million
Dame Jacqueline Wilson has been one of our Stop MS Pioneers since 2018. The Pioneers recently reached an amazing milestone, raising £1 million to stop MS.
To find out more about becoming an individual Stop MS Pioneer – and commit to donating £5,000 a year – please contact [email protected]
