MS is the result of damage to myelin — a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. This interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body.

The MS Society is a charitable organisation that aims to help those affected by the debilitating disease for which there is no cure and to raise the necessary funds to maintain this, as well as providing the financial support needed by the various research institutes searching for a cure.

Former patron of the Dundee branch was Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore who gave up the post around a couple of years ago.

Chairman John Ballantyne welcomed Lorraine, saying, “Today, in addition to receiving a cheque from Mrs Marylin Wallace, allowed our Society to introduce our new branch patron Ms Lorraine Kelly, the GMTV presenter, who has, without hesitation, agreed to assist this branch.

“She has already indicated she has a particular leaning towards our MS Society because her own sister-in-law is a sufferer from the awful effects of this disease.”

Mrs Wallace of Monifieth presented the cheque for £1000 at Mr Ballantyne’s house in Barnhill.

She is a fund-raiser who has made substantial amounts of money for the MS Society, and whose son Greig has been afflicted by MS.

“Her generosity and efforts to raise such funds, on this occasion by organising a race night, is echoed by other caring people in our own Society every year as neither the government nor the local authorities provide us with funds to help bring about a cure for MS,” continued Mr Ballantyne.

“We are indebted to those who make such an effort to raise funds for our branch, and with the assistance of Ms Kelly now at the forefront, we look forward to achieving greater recognition of our Society’s needs and aims.”