HUNDREDS of Glasgow children took to the streets to back teenager Ryan McLaughlin in tackling the disease that crippled his mum.
By Brian Donnelly
HUNDREDS of Glasgow children took to the streets to back teenager Ryan McLaughlin in tackling the disease that crippled his mum.
The 14-year-old from Drumchapel was dressed as William Wallace as he led the crowd, whose faces were painted with saltires, down the Royal Mile to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh where he addressed MSPs.
Ryan, whose mother has multiple sclerosis, is leading a campaign for pregnant women and children to be given vitamin D supplements.
Scientists believe extra doses could prevent up to 80% of cases of multiple sclerosis, for which there is no cure and which affects 12,500 Scots.
The children from Blairdardie Primary, which Ryan's brother Darren, 10, attends and his own school, Knights-wood Secondary, chanted as they descended upon the parliament. Ryan said: "My throat sore with all the shouting."
He lodged a petition calling for vitamin D to be given in the form of pills, fortified milk or bread to expectant mums and children.
Ryan told MSPs: "My Shine on Scotland campaign is aiming to help prevent thousands of people in Scotland going through what we have."
Mum Kirsten, 34, a former Tae Kwon Do champion said: "I'm so proud of him."
The campaign has the support of author JK Rowling, actress Kathleen McDermott, entrepreneurs Michelle Mone and Tom Hunter and politicians including former Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson.
Ryan's dad Alan said his son's website has attracted interest from around the world, and petitions committee convener Frank McAveety praised Ryan as he introduced him to MSPs.
- Ryan's website is at www.shineonscotland.org.uk
