My Story

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto immune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.  In MS, the coating (myelin) that protects our nerves becomes damaged which can cause a range of symptoms such as visual and mobility difficulties, and sometimes changes to the way individuals think and feel.  

Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help individuals manage their condition and its symptoms.

More than 130, 000 people in the UK have MS, often diagnosed in their thirties, forties or fifties but with symptoms often starting years earlier.  It affects both men and women. 

There are over 50 MS Therapy Centres across the UK and are one of the places where individuals with MS can access regular treatments and support for their condition, including oxygen therapy, neurophysiotherapy and wide range of complementary therapies. 

Each Centre is an independent charity, raising their own funds to ensure that everyone with MS has access to ongoing support according to people's individual need, and in addition to any treatment they are already receiving through the NHS.

The Centre's aim is to increase capacity and reach out to more and more people diagnosed and living with MS, but also to help make these therapies available to others experiencing neurological conditions.

I work as an Occupational Therapist for children and their families, and with colleagues rent the top floor of this brilliant centre.  I see the support that this valuable resource provides and how committed everyone is to making it a place where people feel welcome and supported.  My aim is to raise £2000 to support the centre to maintain it's important work - contributing towards the running costs of the oxygen therapy, and exercise classes, as well as making sure that the equipment is up to date and doing it's best job. 

 I'm a mum, I'm going to be 50 this year and I'm not a 'runner'!   Make no mistake, this is going to be a BIG challenge but I'm determined to do it!  

Thank you for reading and if you feel like it, please pop a song for my Marathon Day playlist in the comments box!