Dad backs MS Society campaign for support in workplace

Stuart Wood, 47, from O’Neill Drive, Peterlee, has worked for East Durham Homes, which manages former council houses, for 27 years.

He was diagnosed with Secondary Progressive MS in 1997, aged just 26, after working for the company for seven years.

But thanks to the support of his workplace he has managed to continue to work in his role as a senior manager.

Now the dad-of-two, whose youngest daughter Lucy, 13, also has MS, has spoken out about the realities of working with the condition.

He is backing a campaign by the MS Society called ‘MS: Enough’ to ensure other people have the same support.

The campaign comes as The All Party Parliamentary Group for MS calls for more to be done to address employment support for people with MS.

He said: “This is a company that has actively taken it upon itself to learn and understand what MS is.

“They understand how unpredictable MS can be and are very flexible about working hours so I can best manage my condition.

“I struggle to write properly now, so they’ve also provided me with an iPad and Dictaphone so I can still work efficiently.

“I am proud to work within a company that doesn’t see a person having a disability as an obstacle. They understand how important it is to me and my self-esteem to keep working.”

Visit www.mssociety.org.uk/msenough for more on the campaign.