Twelve days of Christmas: School holiday camps aim to give MS families a break

Multiple Sclerosis Auckland's general manager Therese Russel says two camps will be held. Photo / Nick Reed

Having a sometimes debilitating disease is tough for many people. But it can be especially difficult for their children.

It is for that reason that Multiple Sclerosis Auckland will start two holiday camps this summer, for children whose parents have the disease.

The organisation is one of 12 charities from around New Zealand who will each get $10,000 as part of Auckland Airport's 12 days of Christmas giveaway.

Using the grant, MS Auckland will run two school holiday camps for children associated with their group. The camps -- which will have about 30 children in total -- will be held in Hunua, south of Auckland, and Whangaparaoa.

General manager Therese Russel said being able to help young people whose parents were affected by MS helped not only the children but the parents.

"One of the symptoms is extreme fatigue and so a lot of people with MS don't like big outings. So for families, it's something that's reduced," Ms Russel said.

"It can be a pretty uncertain future. For kids, they don't know what's happening to mum and dad and they're sad because they don't know.

"This is a great opportunity for them to get away but also for mum or dad to have some time to relax as well."

About one in every thousand New Zealanders has MS, according to the MS Society of NZ. The symptoms include fatigue, emotional changes, bladder and bowel dysfunction and visual problems.

Auckland Airport spokesman Charles Spillane praised the group's work and acknowledged how the disease had a ripple effect.

"Multiple sclerosis affects the entire family," Mr Spillane said.

"We believe these school holiday camps will provide a fun and carefree week for children who really need it and also provide a much needed break for their parent with MS."

Auckland Airport is giving away $120,000 to NZ charities as part of its 12 days of Christmas initiative this year. The Herald is profiling each of the winning charities.