A Glasgow primary teacher with multiple sclerosis has praised her favourite soap for a creating a hard-hitting storyline about the condition. 

Claire Conlon, was diagnosed with the condition four years ago at aged 27, was delighted when she realised one of her favourite soaps Hollyoaks had decided to feature MS as a storyline. 

Claire couldn't believe it when character Nancy, who is also a teacher, started to experience sensory issues and weakness in her legs.

Glasgow Times:

Picture credit: MS Society 

As the storyline progressed, Claire had her suspicions that Nancy may have the neurological condition – which affects more than 11,000 people in Scotland.

Claire who was diagnosed nearly four years ago, said: “It’s very good that Hollyoaks are covering a story about someone's MS diagnosis. It's a very realistic storyline which will have affected some viewers and it’s refreshing to see something that’s relatable and not too farfetched.

“Given that Hollyoaks is on around dinner time and has so many fans, I definitely think this will raise awareness of MS and symptoms which can be sometimes invisible and quite easily overlooked.”

Claire added: “I had some of the same symptoms as Nancy before I was diagnosed such as shaky hands and legs that buckled when I stood up. These have subsided for now thankfully. I can absolutely empathise with her confusion, worry and upset about what's happening to her and that feeling of your own body betraying you.

“At times my balance can be affected, I can become tired easily and I have occasional painful spasms and cramps in my legs but I am lucky in that at present, my symptoms are calm.”

The 30-year-old music lover takes a disease modifying therapy which can slow down the amount and severity of relapses.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of the MS Society, said: “It’s great to see that Hollyoaks is featuring a new storyline about multiple sclerosis.

“This is a really powerful opportunity to raise awareness of just how life-changing a diagnosis can be. More than 100,000 people live with MS in the UK. It’s really unpredictable and can be painful and exhausting.

“We’re looking forward to following Nancy’s journey with MS. We’d encourage anyone going through similar experiences to contact our helpline – 0808 800 8000.”