AN INSPIRING Tillicoultry woman is set to defy her MS diagnosis to support a charity which helps people with the condition.

The town's Michelle Quinn, 39, is gearing up to zipline 400 yards across Loch Monzievaird this weekend in a bid to raise funds for MS Society Scotland.

Despite living with multiple sclerosis herself, which affects her mobility, the mother-of-three is keen to give back to the good cause, which supported her when she was diagnosed.

Already a volunteer with the charity helping out with online courses, Michelle is looking to give back so that the society can continue its vital work.

She told the Advertiser: “They do help out so much with people who have been diagnosed, they do a lot of good things for people with MS.

“It has affected my mobility – I can't do a run or anything like that but I just looked online for fundraisers and thought the [zipline ride] would be quite a good thing to do.”

The challenge will take place this Saturday, June 4, and while Michelle admitted she was a “bit scared” she is looking forward to the event.

She has already raised £230 in sponsorship and mused: “I'm quite pleased but I can't chicken out now!”

Michelle was diagnosed with MS, a condition which can affect the brain and spinal cord with a wide range of potential symptoms, in 2014, having earlier suffered an episode where she went blind in one eye.

Her vision returned and she went on for a couple of years before symptoms surfaced again.

While she has bad days, helping others who are in the same boat, as well as her three children Lewis, Adam and Fraser along with partner Paul keep her going.

Michelle, who used to stay in Alloa but moved to the Hillfoots town some 18 years ago, added: “I just want to thank everybody that's already donated so far.

“I just wanted to give back something back to the MS Society because they helped me out when I was first diagnosed and I know that they do a lot, for research as well.”

Indeed, there is still no known cure for multiple sclerosis, although treatments exist to improve people's lives and control symptoms.

The average life expectancy for people with MS is around five to 10 years lower than the average, but good causes such as the MS Society work hard to reduce that gap.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Michelle-Quinn13 to support Michelle's fundraiser.