This information was directly sourced from  the MS Research Australia website here. 

MS Research Australia has been recognised as Charity of the Year in The Australian Charity Awards 2015. There are approximately 2.5 million people worldwide and 23,000 within Australia affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). In just ten short years MS Research Australia has greatly increased the level of funding for MS research creating a significant impact on the number of research programs focusing on MS throughout Australia. Using strong research governance principles as well as innovative campaigns and platforms, MS Research Australia is achieving its goals.

Dr Matthew Miles, Chief Executive Officer of MS Research Australia said, 'It is a great honour to be awarded Charity of the Year. This award is a culmination of over ten years of very hard work by many people. The support of people with MS, donors, state based MS societies, allied organisations and corporate organisations has been critical to this success'.

The Australian Charity Awards were introduced in recognition of the dedication and achievements of non-profit organisations, charitable funds and charitable institutions. As a partner program of The Australian Business Awards, the Awards highlight charitable organisations that have achieved outstanding results through initiatives that have significantly benefited charitable causes.

Ms Tara Johnston, Program Director, Australian Charity Awards says, 'The initiatives of charitable organisations are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, inciting social change and creating a positive impact on the broader community. We are proud to honour MS Research Australia for its achievements'.

Mr Simon McKeon AO, Patron, MS Research Australia and 2011 Australian of the Year said 'As the Founding Chairman and now Patron of MS Research Australia, it's wonderful to see how the hard work of many people in this impact-driven charity has achieved great outcomes for people with MS'.

Megan Healey is a mother of three children and was diagnosed with MS 17 years ago. She says 'As someone who is living with MS, it gives me hope to see the ground breaking achievements of MS Research Australia. It is imperative that we continue to work towards a cure for this disease not only for the individuals living with MS, but also for their family members and the community. National awards such as this are wonderful for the recognition of the hard work and also to increase awareness about MS'.

The 2015 Australian Charity Awards program received a significant number of nominations, with five organisations shortlisted and recognised for Outstanding Achievement and MS Research Australia announced as the overall winner for The Australian Charity of the Year.

For more information on The Australian Charity Awards go to www.charityawards.com.au