The Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge will front a BBC Lifeline appeal for the MS Society this weekend.

Tom knows about the impact multiple sclerosis (MS) can have as his dad was diagnosed with the condition when he was six, and sadly died when he was just 18-years-old.

This Sunday, the Marlow chef presents a TV appeal on BBC One to help raise awareness of the disease and support for the MS Society’s vital work.

Tom said: “My father had MS and I’ve seen first-hand how it can not only affect the person with the condition, but send great ripples through family and friends.

"So I’m very happy to be part of any form of help or recognition for understanding and awareness of MS.

“He lived with MS for over ten years and progressively it got worse.

"He went from using a walking stick to a wheelchair to then being bedridden.

"It hugely affected his ability to communicate and he was in need of constant care, eventually in a home, before he passed away in his mid-forties.”

Over 130,000 people live with MS in the UK.

MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think.

The MS Society’s Lifeline appeal focuses on the research the charity funds as well as the support it provides through its helpline and local groups around the UK.

Tom added: “MS is changeable.

"People are learning to live with it, treatments are improving and growing, but there are always up days and down days.

"If you know someone with it, just be supportive.

“The MS Society works tirelessly to raise awareness and funding but also offer support and understanding for the many people whose lives are affected.

"The charity also tries to get a greater understanding of MS and how hopefully one day it can be stopped.

“Please watch and share the BBC Lifeline Appeal!

"This condition is huge, many people are living with it daily.

"The support and understanding this appeal will generate of how MS affects people, the awareness it raises, will make a big difference to many lives.”

Dr Sarah Rawlings, executive director of research and external affairs at the MS Society said: "We’re hugely grateful to Tom for his support and for presenting our BBC Lifeline appeal for us.

“MS is relentless, painful and disabling. Our appeal will help us raise vital awareness and much needed funds. We hope it will also encourage more people to reach out to us and use our services."

The MS Society’s Lifeline appeal will be broadcasted this Sunday (June 26) at 1.50pm on BBC One.

It will then be available to watch back online for three weeks here.