A RENFREW woman whose life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is providing the inspiration for a bumper fundraising drive.

Laura Rose-Riches, 33, has been battling MS for four years but, together with her family and friends, is also keen to help others in a similar situation.

Supported by her husband Marc, also 33, a host of fundraising events have already taken place in aid of the Revive MS Support charity, with around £5,000 being coined in.

Now the fundraising campaign has been handed a massive boost after staff at The Steam Wheeler pub, at Braehead, adopted Revive MS Support as a chosen charity.

Workers at the busy pub, including Marc, will stage a series of money-spinning events over the next week.

Laura said: “Soon after my diagnosis, we found out about Revive and they helped Marc, my mum and myself with counselling and different therapies.

“Revive aims to support everyone affected by MS, from patients to carers.

“Marc and I have been fundraising for Revive for a few years now. We have an annual darts tournament and occasional sponsored cycles. Also, two years ago, I had 31 inches of hair cut off to raise more sponsorship.”

The Steam Wheeler staff choose different charities to support and, when Marc was put in charge of this year’s fundraising efforts, his only thought was for Revive.

It all kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday with a free party night at the pub, featuring various games and a raffle.

Then, on Saturday, staff will be washing cars from 11am to 4pm in the pub’s car park, in return for a £3 donation.

And a sponsored walk or cycle will take place on Monday, with volunteers making a 12-mile round trip from The Steam Wheeler to the Old Plain Tree pub, in Darnley.

Finally, there will be a coffee morning at the Braehead pub on Tuesday, with plenty of entertainment for children to enjoy.

At the moment there is a hamper filled with goodies up for raffle in store which will be drawn on the Tuesday.

To find out more about Revive or to offer your support, visit www.revivemssupport.org.uk.