Challenging MS: A letter to my newly diagnosed self
In 2015, Scott was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. For the tenth anniversary of his diagnosis, he's written a letter to his newly diagnosed self.
Dear Scott,
Ten years ago today, your world shattered for the first time. You've just been diagnosed with MS. It feels like the end of the road, your wife can't stop crying, your mum is shell-shocked, and you feel utterly lost.
This is far from the end of the road.
I wish I could show you the strength and resolution this brings out of you.
Over the next ten years, you'll trek in the Arctic Circle, raise over £10,000 for charity, and abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge in an orange morphsuit (yes it was cold, and no you didn't care!).
You'll speak on the radio and at charity events, appear in newspapers, and even be invited to a Royal Garden Party. All because of the funds you've raised for the MS charities to help people like you who are living with MS.
It won't all be easy, and there is more coming. In five years' time, life will drastically change again to test you and your family. You'll need to dig deep to get through those days.
MS relapses will leave their scars and you will never fully recover - but you'll learn to live with them.
You'll learn to be stronger. Your relationships will evolve, and the career you thought you'd have will take a completely different path.
Some people will drift away, but your core group will be there. And you'll connect with incredible people from all over the world.
I remember the shock you're feeling. It will pass. Remember: "Chan eil tuil air nach tig traoghadh" (There isn't a flood which will not subside - a Gaelic proverb).
Challenge MS!
You may also be interested in
Will you help us stop MS?
We’ve now reached a crucial moment in our journey towards stopping MS.
You can help drive our research forward - so everyone with MS can get the treatment they need.
