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Shawnigan Lake senior walks for family members with MS

There’s no slowing down 72-year-old William McQueen.
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William McQueen is getting ready to take part in the Duncan MS Walk on May 26, to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. (submitted)

There’s no slowing down 72-year-old William McQueen.

Hailing originally from Toronto, the Shawnigan Lake resident is raising money for multiple sclerosis research — a cause which is near and dear to his heart.

McQueen has two family members, Darron and Marion, who are living with MS. With the first diagnosis coming more than 20 years ago, McQueen knows exactly how imporant it is to raise funds to end MS.

“The research is successful, and the support is necessary,” said McQueen. “Darron and Marion may have a longer life and many more may have their symptoms recognized earlier and treated with better effect.”

On top of progress in research, McQueen is adamant that having a supportive family and community is essential to living with MS. Though Darron and Marion live overseas, McQueen keeps in touch by phone. He says that his family members, despite the challenges presented by the disease, have an upbeat mindset about their situation.

“They are positive about what life they have, and they live well because of their family support,” explains McQueen. “Their positive attitude seems to be what keeps them going — so support is critical.”

As McQueen gets set to participate in this year’s MS Walk, raising money for research that will hopefully lead to a cure, there’s only one word he uses to describe what a cure would mean to him: Happy.

On Sunday, May 26, in communities across the province including Duncan, participants will come together for the annual MS Walk to fundraise for and help change the lives of Canadians living with MS.

The Duncan walk takes place at the Cowichan Sportsplex, at 5847 Chesterfield Ave. Check-in time is 9:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 11 a.m. Participants can choose from a variety of routes, including a wheelchair accessible route for participants using mobility aids. More information is available online at mswalks.ca.