NEW figures show that about 2,200 Hampshire residents are suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).

But a poll by the MS Society revealed that about half of the 320 adults surveyed in the south east could not identify any symptoms of the neurological condition.

Now the charity is calling on Hampshire residents to support next month’s ChallengeMS event, which aims to challenge people’s perceptions as well as raising £125,000 for research.

MS often strikes young adults in the prime of life, leaving sufferers struggling with severe fatigue or problems with their balance and mobility.

Holly Lambert, community and events fundraising manager at the MS Society said: “There are around 2,200 people in Hampshire and over 100,000 people in the UK living with MS, yet many people don’t fully understand the condition.

“We’re encouraging people to sign up to ChallengeMS to find out more about MS and take on a personal challenge during September.

“You can decide to quit a habit, take on a creative challenge, enter a race, or simply make a change to your daily life. The choice is yours.”