AFTER losing the feeling in his hands and feet, Dunfermline student Daniel McLean was diagnosed with MS last year at the age of 16.

The news led to him having to take four months off school and losing confidence as well as missing out on his studies.

He enrolled in a Higher English Course at Fife College and this week landed a special £1,000 scholarship set up to support people with MS while they study.

The new award, which is supported by the Fife branch of the MS Society, has been set up through the college’s scholarship programme, the Adam Smith Foundation.

Back in August 2017, the Press reported the struggles of Daniel and his family as they faced a 15-week wait for him to see a neurosurgeon despite an urgent referral from his GP.

He had been left unable to hold a pen and, after we highlighted the issue, mum Lynn was delighted to receive an appointment the same week and thanked the Press for our help in getting him seen.

Since starting at the college, Daniel has made new friends and is achieving great results on his course. He is determined not to let MS get in the way of what he wants to achieve, which is continuing at college to complete a HNC in Social Sciences followed by a career with the police.

“A few years ago, I started to lose the feeling in my hands and feet and my balance was also affected – I found out I had MS, which makes me feel tired and unable to co-ordinate my movements some days,” he explained.

“I’m learning to adapt and coming to college has helped me do this as it is flexible so I can put in the extra work when I can.

“I’m really enjoying my course and I’m looking forward to going on to do the HNC and, from that, hopefully my dream job of working in the Police.

“I’m very thankful to the college, my lecturer, Mary, and especially to the MS Society – knowing I’m the first to receive this scholarship is a great feeling.”

Lecturer Mary Burgess said Daniel was a fantastic student with great writing skills.

“He works very hard and has shown great bravery not to let his MS interfere with his studies,” she said.

“He just gets on with it and keeps positive which is a great mind-set to have for anyone.

“I wish him all the very best in his future studies.”

Amy Newton, branch co-ordinator for the MS Society in Scotland, presented Daniel with his scholarship and certificate.

“Daniel is a very deserving recipient of this award – we were delighted to meet him and through this scholarship we look forward to keeping in touch with him and offering him extra help when he needs it,” she said.