Veteran rugby players to play match for MS Society (From Gazette & Herald)

Veteran rugby players to play match for MS Society

10:21am Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News

VETERAN rugby players aged between 40 and 99 are being urged to play in a match to help raise thousands of pounds for the MS Society.

The match, which will take place in Malton on Saturday, March 2, is being organised by Nina Aldrich, 38, of Whitwell-on-the-Hill, who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

The Gazette reported earlier this month how she developed the condition just months after witnessing the Boxing Day tsunami in Phuket. She believes the traumatic experience could have triggered the condition.

She said she came up with the idea of a rugby match because her husband used to play and coach the sport. But she needs more players to come forward.

“You’re considered a veteran if you’re aged between 40 and 99, overweight and almost over the hill,” said a spokeswoman for the MS Society.

“This could be your chance to get yourself back into rugby and raise money for the MS Society in North Yorkshire at the same time.”

Mrs Aldrich, who also needs sponsorship to fund the event, said: “No one knows what causes MS and there is no cure.

“Its symptoms can strike without warning as it did to me, causing my loss of mobility. Consequently, I was unable to continue my media career in London. MS makes day to day living challenging in every way.”

The society spokeswoman said 100,000 people in the UK have MS, with more than 1,200 patients in North Yorkshire.

“It is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.

“MS is complex and there are lots of different symptoms. They can include loss of sight and mobility, fatigue and depression. There is no cure and there are few effective treatments.

“The MS Society is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by MS. We offer hope for the future by investing millions in research, and help for today through our information, support and campaigning.”

To get involved in the match, email getyourbootson@yahoo.co.uk or to be a sponsor, go to www.justgiving.com/Nina-Aldrich