Nearly half of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Wales have been questioned or challenged over their use of accessible facilities, a new survey suggests.

The poll of 90 people living with MS in Wales was carried out to mark MS Awareness Week and the MS Think Again campaign.

It found that 48 per cent had been questioned or challenged for using facilities such as Blue Badge parking spaces and accessible toilets. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) had been challenged over use of an accessible toilet, while 22 per cent had been questioned about Blue Badge parking.

More than half (57 per cent) said they avoid using accessible facilities altogether for fear of being judged or challenged.

Around 6,100 in Wales are living with MS. The condition affects the brain and spinal cord and can impact movement, thinking and feeling. Symptoms vary widely and are often invisible.

Among respondents, 96 per cent said they experience at least one invisible symptom such as fatigue, pain or brain fog, while 56 per cent said they have been made to feel their symptoms were not real.

Gemma Williams, 48, from Carmarthenshire, was diagnosed with MS at 21.

“Sometimes I’m questioned about using my Blue Badge because there is nothing about my appearance that suggests I have a disability. I still use it when I need it, but I have had occasions where people have challenged me,” she said.

“People often assume that I am capable of doing things when I am not. If I get on a bus when my legs are weak, people do not assume I might need a seat.

“I think that when people hear the term ‘MS’ - they expect someone to look very ill. When you do not fit that image, people often seem confused.”