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Photo of Zach sitting with his gaming computer and virtual reality racing game.

Game Over for MS helped me to continue supporting our community

Zach’s love for gaming helped him cope with his MS diagnosis. He took part in last year’s Game Over for MS event to support our community. Find out how it went and Zach’s tips for people taking part this year. 

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your MS journey?

Back in early 2019, I began to get some gradual tingles in my toes. I put it down to sitting on my leg at work or I'd been sleeping funny. But one night after a nap, the tingling turned into a deep numbness spreading up my lower left leg. The following morning, it had spread to just above both of my knees. Over the next week or so, I gradually lost my ability to use the toilet or even walk unaided.

What helped you cope?

Honestly, it was gaming. I was a reasonably extroverted person before the diagnosis. I enjoyed going out and about and driving on little day trips. But when you lose most feeling from the waist down, you can’t do most of that. Simulation racing games with a wheel and pedals really gave me something close enough to what I loved.

What would it mean to you, for your future, if we stop MS?

When I go to sleep, I worry about being able to feel my legs when I wake up. So I’d be able to rest a bit easier. 

Why did you take part in Game Over for MS?

I recently suffered my first relapse since my initial diagnosis. And I was pushed back to a very similar place as I was back then. I absolutely love doing charity work for the MS Society. I’ve done the MS Walks for the past 3 years. And Game over for MS helped me support the MS community, even though I couldn’t do what I’d usually do.

What console do you stream from? What games do you usually play?

I'm a PC gamer and I usually play racing games, particularly F1. However, I absolutely love playing Assetto Corsa. It’s a virtual reality game and it’s the closest I'm going to get to driving a McLaren P1 around Monaco!

Would you recommend taking part in Game Over for MS to others?

Absolutely! I know a lot of people will be in a similar position to me. And this is a fantastic way to raise awareness for MS in a way they’re comfortable with.

What would you say to other people who think they couldn't stream?

Platforms have become more inclusive over the years – especially since the pandemic started. And people have become more interested. If you feel you couldn't stream, have a look online at some tutorials. You may actually have more than you need to get it started! 

I know I wasn’t very confident when I originally tried it. But it’s good to remember you can stream with as many of your friends as you want. And you don’t even have to speak or show your face.

Do you have any fundraising tips for other people thinking about streaming?

Advertise as much as you can! I’ve always used JustGiving with a brief description. You just let people know exactly what you're going to be doing and why. Using different social media platforms is a great way to reach as many people as you can. 

Even if somebody doesn't donate, at least you’ve managed to connect with them. A lot of people still don’t know much about MS. So you’ve given them some insight into what life with MS is actually like.

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