From diagnosis to determination - Jason’s story
Jason Winter is the Impact manager for TTG Media, who chose us as their charity partner for 2025. Jason was diagnosed with MS in 2022. He shares his story about adapting to life after his diagnosis and raising money to help stop MS.
It was March 2021 when I started to see some signs that something wasn’t quite right. I was walking home and started to feel a bit breathless from what, to me, was a routine walk. Towards the end of the walk, I noticed my leg started to turn inward. I called 111 and was told that it was likely to be severe anxiety, and that I should call them if it happened again.
Then my vision started to become distorted. Was this just a case of too much time in front of the screen?
Diagnosis, treatment and a new beginning
After MRI scans and an appointment with a neurologist, I was finally diagnosed with MS. I was put on Tysabri (natalizumab) and was also prescribed baclofen, a muscle relaxant medication to help with stiff limbs and joints.
I felt it was best to be open about my diagnosis at work - to have open lines of communication with my colleagues to strike the best balance and find the best solutions. This can be as simple as not feeling under pressure to attend the office, and being upfront about the many medical appointments I need.
For me, fatigue is the hardest symptom to manage. I stick to a strict sleep routine and still feel exhausted. Completing even the simplest of tasks requires much more energy.
Raising money to stop MS
I can be quite philosophical at times. It would be all too easy to say ‘why has this happened to me?’, so I try to spin this by saying ‘why not?’. That mindset has given me determination to give back wherever possible.
That’s why I was delighted TTG Media chose the MS Society as its charity partner for 2025. It’s a great honour to be spearheading this campaign and I’m enjoying raising awareness and funds.
TTG Media has been raising funds for the MS Society across our events like the TTG Luxury Awards, the TTG Top 50 ceremony the Travel Industry Awards. The team will also continue to a series of sponsored events for the remainder of the campaign.
Collectively, we’ve raised more than £25,000, which is something to be proud of for sure. The fundraising doesn’t end here and I’m relishing what more we can do to raise crucial funds.
Connecting with the MS Society
Anyone with MS can you tell that a million and one questions race through your mind when you’re diagnosed. Where should I even start? What does this mean for my life going forward? How do I combat this feeling of isolation?
The MS Society were an incredible help to me when I was first diagnosed. They helped by answering any and all questions I had. It reminded me that I’m not alone in the journey and helped to give me the confidence to resume life activities.
I’ve also had the pleasure of attending MS Society events such as the End of Appeal Stop MS Lecture and the Carols by Candlelight Christmas concert. These have allowed me to continue learning about MS, connect with others living with the condition and form relationships with MS Society staff.
MS won’t define me
Life is different for me now. How can it not be? I’m living with the effects of MS every minute of every day. But I’ll carry on, and I won’t let MS define who I am.
I don’t know what the future holds. But I firmly believe that the current technological and scientific advancements will lead to brighter days ahead.
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