A MOTHER-OF-THREE who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) has set up a drop-in centre for sufferers and their families.

Annette Garland, of St George's Road, Gravesend, was diagnosed with MS five years ago and found there was no support system for people who were trying to cope with the disease.

Mrs Garland, 51, said: "I thought a drop-in centre would be a good place for people suffering with the disease and people caring for them to go.

"People can come along and see there are other people in the same boat and they are not alone."

Mrs Garland was forced to give up her work in a pharmacy 12 years ago when she had skin cancer, before she was diagnosed with MS.

And she said loved ones caring for people who have the nervous system disease sometimes have a harder time of learning to accept what is happening.

She said: "My husband definitely has a harder time than me sometimes.

"The drop-in centre helps carers meet up and get advice and support."

People can go along to the drop-in centre for free and enjoy relaxation classes, complementary therapy and receive information and support about coping with the disease.

To help fund the service, which costs £2,000 each year, the society received donations from Glaxosmithklien, Lafarge cement UK and more than £2,000 from The Wheatsheaf Pub, Swanscombe.

Mrs Garland, said "Anyone feeling alone or isolated by any neurological disease can come to the drop-in centre and see you can learn to cope."

The centre is open every Thursday from 11am to 3pm at St Peter's Church Centre, Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe.

Call the Gravesend Multiple Sclerosis Society branch on 01474 363383.