Two Fermanagh women were recognised for their work and commitment at the MS Society Northern Ireland’s Night of Celebration held for volunteers at Queen’s University’s Riddell Hall.  
The evening highlighted the immense contribution of volunteers working with and for people with MS.

The awards included ‘Volunteer Awards’ and the Society’s prestigious ‘Shining Star’ awards and there was a Fermanagh winner in each category.
Hosted by UTV’s Paul Reilly the awards were attended by Chief Executive of MS Society UK Michelle Mitchell, the organisation’s Chairman Hilary Sears and Sammy Douglas MLA who is Chair of the All Party Group on MS. The guest speaker was MS Ambassador and star of People’s Strictly Come Dancing Trishna Bhardadia.

Freda Carson was recognised with a Volunteer Award. As a founding member of the Fermanagh branch of the MS Society approximately 40 years ago, Freda continues to serve on the local committee. Since 1977 Freda has provided invaluable support to both the branch and people affected by MS.  
Her dedication and commitment over such a long period of time was deservedly recognised with an award.

Siobhan Allister received one of the organisation’s Shining Star awards.  
Siobhan is Vice Chairperson of Fermanagh Branch and is a local Support Volunteer. Diagnosed with MS in 2009 Siobhan joined the committee the following year.  
Since then she has been totally committed to fundraising as well as raising the profile of both MS as a condition and the MS Society.  

As well as being Support Volunteer, Siobhan is the ‘go to’ person for newly diagnosed people in Co. Fermanagh.  To date, along with her son Ben, she has raised approximately £60,000 for MS Northern Ireland. A prolific campaigner Siobhan has been involved in campaigning for the availability of MS services in rural communities. A passionate campaigner and volunteer…and she is now a Shining Star.

Speaking about the awards the Director of the MS Society NI Patricia Gordon said: “Our volunteers are such a shining example to us all that I am delighted we were able to recognise their contribution.  There are over 4,500 people in Northern Ireland with MS, 100,000 across the UK. The MS Society is here for people with MS, through the highs, lows and everything in between but we couldn’t do that without the passion and commitment of our volunteers.  With their help together we’re strong enough to stop MS.”