Member's statement: MS Society Northern Ireland
Member's statement by Mr Paul Frew on .
- MLA
- Mr Paul Frew
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 21 April 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- MS Society Northern Ireland
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5497486
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Yesterday marked a hugely significant milestone, the 70th anniversary of the MS Society Northern Ireland and its unwavering support for people who are affected by MS. What began in England back in 1953, when founders Richard and Mary Cave responded to the glaring lack of support and treatments for people living with MS, sparked an interest in the MS community in Northern Ireland, with the first branches of the society being established here in 1956. The MS Society has grown into a remarkable national movement of care, research, awareness and community. Over the past seven decades, the MS Society has been at the heart of support for thousands of families. It has funded pioneering research right here at Queen's University Belfast, provided vital services, lobbied for better services and forged a community in which no one should face MS alone. The MS Society Northern Ireland held an event yesterday in the Long Gallery, where I was able to meet and introduce myself to some exceptional characters, some tremendous people. One of them was Sam Young, a volunteer fundraiser with the MS Society. Sam's wife, Mae, was diagnosed with MS in 2019, which inspired him to take action. Sam has written two books, with all the proceeds going to MS research, raising thousands of pounds. It is a particularly special privilege to recognise one person whose dedication reflects the absolute best of that community spirit. I am delighted to mention and to honour Pat Crossley, who has given 40 years of extraordinary voluntary service to the MS Society Northern Ireland and to the people of Ballymoney and beyond. Pat's journey with the Ballymoney group began four decades ago when she stepped forward to lend a hand, and, in doing so, she strengthened support in her local community, helped to maintain one of our longest-serving groups and embodied compassion in action. From organising social gatherings and exercise classes, to representing the MS Society at Downing Street and Buckingham Palace, to personal fundraising such as a parachute jump and abseiling, Pat's contribution has helped to raise funds and awareness in ways that truly uplift others. Through every decade of change, she has been a steadfast champion, not because it was easy but because caring has always been in her nature. Pat's dedication is not only to supporting people with MS but has helped to shape a community where hope, connection and support flourish. As one of Pat's MLAs, I thank her for her dedicated service. She even contacted me by email at 10.40 last night to thank me for being there yesterday.
Pat is indeed a trouper.
434 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.02 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- Subject area: Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.03 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.01 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.01 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.01 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.02 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.04 | No |
| Overall judgement | 0.02 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits | 0.99 |
| No identity-related subject | 0.01 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.00 |
| Parades, bonfires and commemorations | 0.00 |
| Irish language, Ulster-Scots and language policy | 0.00 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:21 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
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