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U2 backs worldwide effort to raise awareness of MS
Rock giant U2 is backing the first global awareness campaign for multiple sclerosis.
World MS Day day, to be launched on Wednesday, will involve more than 160 events in 51 countries.
U2's contribution is the hit song Beautiful Day, which is providing the campaign soundtrack and will be featured on a global campaign film.
The aim is to highlight the plight of people with the disease, raise donations for patient charities and research funding, forge links between MS organisations, and urge action from politicians.
MS is an auto-immune disease in which nerves are attacked by the body's own defences.
The incurable illness affects around 85,000 people in the UK. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild tingling sensations and loss of balance to full blown paralysis. Up to 60 per cent of MS sufferers face long-term disability.
Among the planned activities for the campaign is an attempt on Mount Everest by two American women with MS, Lori Schneider and Wendy Booker.
In Ireland, eight people will climb six mountains in 72 hours, while "Roll for MS" cycling and motorcycling events are being held in Belgium, Canada, France and Luxembourg. Concerts will also take place in Greece and Cyprus, and human chains formed in the Indian cities of Mumbai and Delhi. The MS Society charity will also open its first office in Palestine.
The US National MS Society is rallying more than 850,000 individuals to press politicians to support affordable health care for sufferers.
One of the sports celebrities backing the campaign is Argentinian and Barcelona FC soccer star Lionel Messi who will play against Manchester United in the Champions' League final in Rome on World MS Day on Wednesday.
Peer Baneke, chief executive of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, said:"We want to support those who have MS and work together across the globe to find a cure."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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