“It’s very difficult to live with, very difficult,” Mr Papasidero said at a lunch held by the MIA branch of MS Australia on Wednesday at the Griffith Leagues Club.

“But we go all right and we’re all still punching.

“I was only diagnosed six years ago, and they told me that I would be in a wheelchair within five years and well, I’m not.”

The lunch recognised all of the volunteers from the area who donate their time to help care and assist those in the community suffering from MS.

In particular those present thanked volunteer Aled Francis who for the past 10 years has volunteered his time at the hydrotherapy pool at the Griffith Aquatic Centre.

Mr Francis said he had been inspired to get behind helping with the hydrotherapy pool after having a mate back in the UK suffering from the disease.

“There’s a big need in our community and there are only two programs like this in Australia and this is one of them,” he said.

“When it started out we had to carry people in and out of the pool but four years ago we got a hoist, Todd the manager of the Aquatic centre at the time put it in himself.”

The work done by Mr Francis was an obvious point of gratitude among many present on Wednesday.

“To volunteer for 10 years, there’s not very many people who would do that,” said MS sufferer Dianne Schoonbeek.

“We’re friends for life now,” said Mr Papasidero who shares an obvious bond with Mr Francis between jokes, wisecracks and camping trips.

President of the MIA MS branch Joan Dartnell thanked the numerous other volunteers from the local community for giving their time, energy, love and support.

“We are celebrating 10 years of volunteers service at hydrotherapy pool,” she said.

“The branch is very appreciative of the support and funding we get throughout the year, all of the money goes directly to helping people with MS in the local community. Struggling with MS is extremely difficult not only physically but also emotionally. It’s also very difficult for families and carers as well who provide support.”