BRIGHT, vivacious and articulate, it is hard to believe at first sight that Kay Haskett is suffering from multiple sclerosis.Acle mum Kay has had to come to terms with the trauma of being diagnosed with the disease last year.

BRIGHT, vivacious and articulate, it is hard to believe at first sight that Kay Haskett is suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Acle mum Kay has had to come to terms with the trauma of being diagnosed with the disease last

year.

Despite her condition the 44-year-old remains resolutely up-beat and is dedicated to raising cash for the Multiple Sclerosis Society Norwich branch.

Kay teamed up with fellow sufferer, 26-year-old Laura Hollis to arrange a charity evening at the Huntsman pub in Strumpshaw earlier this month, which raised nearly �1,000.

She said: “I felt shocked and frustrated when learnt I had multiple sclerosis; it took me a long time to take in.

“It was not a complete surprise as I had already been diagnosed with inflammation of the spinal cord, which can lead to MS.”

“Fortunately there is so much help out there for sufferers and it is nice to give something back and make people aware of the disease.

“The why I cope is realising there are a lot of other people who are worse off. I have learned not to worry now and have things in perspective.”

Former special needs teaching assistant Kay had to give her job up at Acle Primary School after her condition deteriorated.

She suffers from fatigue, struggling to walk even short distances, memory lapses and co-ordination problems.

Her illness also means she is not able to devote as much time and attention to children Amy, 16, and Tom, 13.

As well as injections and medication to manage the condition Kay has regular physiotherapy sessions and sees specialist MS nurses every three months.

“Some days are worse than others, I have to listen to my body and rest to recharge my batteries,” she said.

“Fatigue is the main issue; I suffer numbness in my legs and arms and can only walk a short way without needing a rest.

“I sometimes forget words and the more I try to remember the worse it gets, which can be embarrassing.

“It has been difficult for the children; they have their own lives to lead but have been fantastic. I cannot

thank them enough.

“There is a lot of uncertainty about the future, I don't know whether my condition will stay like this or deteriorate. Part of the secret is to keep positive and up-beat.”

Multiple sclerosis is the most common neurological condition affecting young adults, with around 100,000 sufferers in the UK

Kay and Laura have organised another charity fundraiser with the Acle Spice Indian restaurant on Monday night. All takings on the evening are being donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Contact the restaurant on 01493 750800/751800.

Great Yarmouth mayor Tony Smith will open a Multiple Sclerosis Society information point at 12 Baker Street, Gorleston next Friday at 2pm.