A Fife College student has become the first in the country to receive a scholarship supported by the MS Society.
Daniel McLean, who is now 17, was only 16 and still at school when he was diagnosed with the condition.
He now attends the college’s Dunfermline campus and was delighted to hear about the new scholarship set up through the Adam Smith Foundation, Fife College’s scholarship programme.
Daniel had to take four months off school because of MS and lost some confidence.
The Dunfermline teenager has continued with his studies, made new friends and is now achieving positive results in his Higher English course.
Daniel said: “A few years ago I started to lose the feeling in my hands and feet and my balance was also affected – I found out I had MS which does make me feel tired and unable to coordinate my movements some days.
“I’m learning to adapt and coming to college has helped me do this as it is flexible so I can put in the extra work when I can.”
He thanked the MS Society adding: “Knowing I’m the first to receive this scholarship is a great feeling.”
He is determined not to let MS get in the way of what he wants to achieve, which is continuing on at college to complete an HNC in social sciences followed by a career in the police.
He has been given £1,000 which he plans to put towards buying a car when he passes his driving test.
Lecturer Mary Burgess, who nominated Daniel for the award said her student is a hard worker who had shown great bravery by not letting his illness interfere with his studies.
“He just gets on with it and keeps positive which is a great mind-set to have for anyone,” she added.
Amy Newton, branch coordinator for the MS Society in Scotland and Robin Briggs and Sue Polson, both members of the MS National Council, attended the scholarship ceremony.
“This is the first time the MS Society has supported a college student in this way and we are delighted that our first scholarship has gone to someone as worthy as Daniel,” Amy said
“More than 800 people have been diagnosed with MS in Fife – we hope that this will be the first of many scholarships and that other MS Societies will follow the lead of the Fife branch, and offer support in their own areas.”
She said being diagnosed was a very difficult time for many people with some looking well but suffering from a range of symptoms.
