PEOPLE in the district with multiple sclerosis (MS) are being asked for their views on how to spend a “substantial” legacy.

Bradford and Skipton & Craven MS Society groups – in partnership with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust – are seeking ideas for new activities and expanded provision.

The groups already offer a range of social activities and support for people affected by the condition.

And some current suggestions for developing that include helping those with MS to do more exercise, providing emotional wellbeing support through such as mindfulness and counselling, new social groups and activities, foot health and complementary therapies.

An event is being staged at University Academy Keighley on Saturday, June 8, at which people will be able to vote on ideas and suggest their own.

There will also be taster sessions for some activities that could be funded in the longer term.

Paul Anderson, for Bradford MS Society, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for people with – and affected by – MS to have a say in what they want to support them.

“Our groups would like as many people as possible to give us their ideas, so that whatever we develop reflects local need.

“We are so grateful to the person who left us the legacy and want to ensure we make the most of that generous donation to create the biggest difference possible.

“The more people that tell us what they want, the better we are able to support everyone with MS locally.”

More details about the Keighley event will be issued soon, but meantime people can submit their ideas via the local MS Facebook page.

The Bradford MS Society group at present runs monthly coffee-and-chat sessions in Bradford, and a monthly lunch-and-chat in Keighley and Shipley.

There are also regular Sunday lunch meetings, together with other events throughout the year.

For further details, visit mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/local-support/local-groups/bradford-district-group, e-mail bradford@mssociety.org.uk or call 07414 088414.

The Skipton and Craven group offers regular social evenings and reiki sessions.

More information is available at mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/local-support/local-groups/skipton-craven-group. Alternatively, e-mail skiptoncraven@mssociety.org.uk or phone 07539 527051.

Further details about the June event will be available from both groups.

MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, and can cause a wide range of symptoms – which typically appear when people are in their 20s or 30s.

More than 100,000 people in the UK have the condition.