A mother hopes the memory of her son will live on as she tries to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis.

Norma McFarlane, who lives in Edmonton, lost her son, Shane, to the condition in 2002 when he was just 34 – nine ten years after he was diagnosed.

But while the aspiring DJ’s spirit never faltered, 73-year-old Norma realised there were no MS support groups for African, Caribbean and ethnic minorities in the area.

So in 2002 – just a year before Shane’s death and her other son, Ancel, was diagnosed – The Shane Project was born.

Norma said: “When doctors told me he had been diagnosed it was as if someone had put their hand into my stomach and pulled my heart out.”

Now in its 12th year, The Shane Project goes to schools and colleges to educate people about the symptoms of MS.

It took Shane three years to get diagnosed after he complained of a pain in his knee and muscle tremors.

As his condition worsened, Norma had to quit her job as a successful restaurant owner to take care of Shane full time.

But Shane had a “wicked” sense of humour and his love for soul, funk and jazz music did not diminish during his illness.

Norma added: “He never complained, and I think that takes a lot of strength when he's in a wheelchair with his condition.

“I found it within myself to have extra strength too.”

“I've In life you leave a footprint behind and I think The Shane Project will be mine.”