Radio 1 star issues quirky quiz night challenge to boost MS Society during coronavirus lockdown
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PEOPLE across Ross-shire and the wider Highlands are being invited to a quiz night with a difference – without even having to leave their homes.
BBC Radio 1’s Scott Mills is preparing to host his first ever virtual pub quiz – live from his living room.
Mr Mills – whose mum Sandra has multiple sclerosis (MS) – will be hosting the online quiz to raise money for the MS Society, who say demand for their support has soared during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Mills said: “Lots of people with MS are isolating at home right now, and mum is one of them. She’s not one of the most at risk but is definitely vulnerable to Covid-19, so she’s going to be at home for a while. We talk every day and she’s in pretty high spirits, but I know self-isolation is getting to everyone now – my partner definitely has cabin fever.
“I wanted to host the pub quiz because even though we can’t be together in person, we are all in this together and it’s a great excuse for us to do something huge – you could never get this many people in a pub! So why not do it this way and hopefully get hundreds if not thousands of people playing along for a great cause.”
MS damages nerves in the body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think. Having MS alone does not increase your risk of getting Covid-19, but many people with MS are at an increased risk of infection, or severe complications. Thousands have been asked by the government to self- isolate at home for 12 weeks.
Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland, said: “We know everyone is in need of a pick me up right now, and hope Scott’s event will give people that. But while this is a difficult time for us all, coronavirus brings unique concerns for people with MS – many of whom are especially at risk.
“More than 15,000 people live with MS in Scotland and we’re doing all we can to be here for them, but we urgently need to expand our support. Just a small donation at this critical moment could give someone with MS the lifeline they need to cope. And, as we’re all stuck inside, there’s no reason we can’t have some fun and help others while we’re at it.”
Mr Mills added: “I want to get as many people as possible playing – and everyone should, because I’m an excellent host and it’ll be amazing! So come and join us on Wednesday night, and tell everyone you know. We can come together and still help those at risk, like mum.”
MS Society Pub Quiz Live! – Hosted by Scott Mills – will be happening online every Wednesday night in April at 8pm. Whether you grab a team from your household or go for it solo, you’ll be joining hundreds of others taking part to support the MS community. Suggested donation is £3 per player.
Just go to mssociety.org.uk/pub-quiz to play, or to support the MS Society visit justgiving.com/campaign/pubquizlive
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Found a creative way to keep entertained during the lockdown? Share stories and pictures by emailing hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
