VETERAN rugby players – aged between 40 and 99 – are being urged to take part in a match to help raise thousands of pounds for the MS Society.

The match, which will take place in Malton on Saturday, March 2, is being organised by Nina Aldrich, 38, of Whitwell-on-the-Hill, who suffers from the illness.

The Press reported earlier this month how Nina developed the condition only months after witnessing the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Phuket, possibly as a consequence of her traumatic experiences.

She said she had come up with the idea of a rugby match because her husband used to play and coach the sport, but she still needed more players to come forward.

“You’re considered a veteran if you’re aged between 40 and 99, overweight and almost over the hill!” said a spokeswoman for the MS Society.

“This could be your chance to get yourself back into rugby and raise money for the MS Society in North Yorkshire at the same time.”

Nina, who also needs sponsorship to fund the event, said: “No one knows what causes MS and there is no cure.

“Its symptoms can strike without warning as it did to me, causing my loss of mobility. Consequently, I was unable to continue my media career in London. MS makes day-to-day living challenging in every way.”

The society spokeswoman said 100,000 people in the UK had MS, with more than 1,200 patients in North Yorkshire.

“It is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. MS is complex and there are lots of different symptoms. They can include loss of sight and mobility, fatigue and depression. There is no cure and there are few effective treatments.

“The MS Society is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by MS.

“We offer hope for the future by investing millions in research, and help for today through our information, support and campaigning.”

•To get involved in the match, email getyourbootson@yahoo.co.uk or to be a sponsor, go to justgiving.com/Nina-Aldrich