Doing the MS Walk to raise awareness

I was diagnosed with MS in 2021 after many investigations of strange symptoms.

My initial emotions were an absolute rollercoaster. I went from fear to misery to grief for my old life - especially not being able to wear my high heels.

Then I had feelings of positivity and strength. I needed to adjust and get on with living as best I can with a condition there’s no cure for.

What’s helped me adjust to my MS diagnosis

I now take a disease modifying therapy (DMT) that should slow progression. And I’ve made numerous friends with fellow MS ‘warriors'.

The connections I’ve made on social media, with the MS Society and MS Trust have made me focus on what I’m grateful for.

My hope for new treatments in the future

I knew very little about this condition before my diagnosis. I did the MS Walk in London to raise awareness of the impact MS has on so many lives. Not only the people with it, but their families and friends too.

I’ve heard that through research there’s lots of hope for new treatments in the future, and a hope of repairing myelin. I find MS a fascinating condition - although I wish it wasn’t happening to me.

It’s so important to raise funds and spread awareness.

Using social media – and my high heels – to raise funds

In the troubled world we’re living in right now I’m very aware of the needs of so many charities. But through my Facebook and Instagram accounts I’ve asked for a small donation to help MS research. In the future I hope there will be more treatments and possibly a cure for MS.

I’m a hairdresser and have some very generous clients who spread the word for me!

I also decided to sell all my high heeled shoes (I’m ashamed to say I have many!) I’ve sold them off for £5 a pair which is all going into the MS pot.

A real sense of achievement

I chose the 5k route at MS Walk London. I walked quite a lot of it and used the wheelchair some of the time.

The event was well organised and it was great seeing the sites of London with such great people.

Some of them I’d only met through social media, so it was nice to them in the flesh.

The weather was lovely and there was a fabulous atmosphere. We stopped for a quick coffee under St Paul’s cathedral as there wasn’t a time limit.

I felt a real sense of achievement when we finished. I’m very pleased that I raised just under £1,500! I’ll definitely do it again next year.

Sign up for an MS Walk in 2023