A FATHER who suffers from multiple sclerosis has thrown his weight behind a campaign for more to be done to address employment support for those with the condition.

Stuart Wood, 47, of Peterlee, who works at East Durham Homes was diagnosed with Secondary Progressive MS in 1997, after working for the company for seven years.

But thanks to the support of his workplace he has managed to continue to work in his role as a senior manager.

Now the dad-of-two, whose youngest daughter Lucy, 13, also has MS, has spoken out about the realities of working with the condition.

He is backing a campaign by the MS Society called ‘MS: Enough’ to ensure other people have the same support.

The campaign comes as The All Party Parliamentary Group for MS calls for more to be done to address employment support for people with MS.

The report estimates that those who are not in work and not looking for work due to their MS lose almost 20 working years on average.

Following his nomination, East Durham Homes, Mr Wood was named finalist in the Employer of the Year category at the MS Society’s 2012 Awards.

He said: “This is a company that has actively taken it upon itself to learn and understand what multiple sclerosis is.

“They understand how unpredictable MS can be and are very flexible about working hours so I can best manage my condition. I struggle to write properly now, so they’ve also provided me with an iPad and Dictaphone so I can still work efficiently.”

“I am proud to work within a company that doesn’t see a person having a disability as an obstacle. They understand how important it is to me and my self-esteem to keep working.”

To support the MS: Enough campaign visit www.mssociety.org.uk/msenough.