The more people who know about MS, the more we understand it

I’m Sol. I was 23 when a sudden severe MS attack paralysed my arm. Within days I lost my speech entirely, and had complete right sided paralysis and major cognitive decline. I was diagnosed with a rare variant of MS, called Balo's concentric sclerosis (BCS). I spent three months in hospital learning how to walk, talk and move again.

Over a year later, I’m still living with partial paralysis, speech issues, fatigue and many other neurological symptoms. As a young man with MS, one of the biggest challenges is the sudden loss of physical freedom. I’ve regained some of my mobility and can work hard in the gym.

But that doesn’t negate the constant compromise I have to make with my body. Everything takes longer. Things that used to be automatic, like walking and talking, now require effort and patience. But I'm learning, adjusting, adapting and (most importantly) doing exactly what I want to do.

Advocacy is so important

I haven’t found my full tribe just yet, but I’m slowly connecting with people who get it. As a young person with MS, your world can suddenly feel very small. Everything changes so fast. It can be hard to find people your age who truly understand what that feels like.

That’s why the MS community and its advocacy is so important. It’s not just about information or resources. It’s about connection, representation and reminding each other that we’re not doing this alone.

I began creating content to raise awareness about MS while I was still in hospital. At the time, I’d lost my speech. So it became a way of communicating with the outside world without having to talk. Documenting my journey— the good, the bad, and everything in between — gave me purpose. It became a tool to show the reality of life with MS.

Before I was diagnosed, I knew almost nothing about MS. I didn’t know it could happen so young. Or that it could take away your speech, mobility and independence overnight. And if I didn’t know, there are probably so many others who don’t either. My goal’s to raise awareness and talk honestly about living with MS.

It's comforting to connect

The main message I want to put out there is that living with MS is not one-size-fits-all. MS is incredibly individualised. It’s called the snowflake disease, because no two cases are exactly alike. Symptoms, progression, recovery and visibility all vary.

I've received so much support in my content creation, from people both with and without MS. It’s been comforting to connect with others who have BCS, as there’s little research and information on this variant.

Highlighting a flawed system

I’ve been refused PIP twice and told that my diagnosis doesn’t affect me in any way. The system’s meant to support people exactly in my position. But I’ve become painfully aware of how flawed and out-of-touch it can be.

I dedicate some of my videos to sharing awareness of this unfair system. If you don't need it, or don't know someone that does, you won't know about it. Just like I didn't before I was diagnosed.

Combatting the barriers

Before my MS attack I’d been an avid runner. I’d done a 10k and a half marathon, and my goal was to complete a full marathon. But then MS hit and changed things. 

Soon after coming home, I decided to walk the distance of a marathon, but 1k at a time. Towards the end of this challenge I signed up for an MS Walk. I was going to do the 1k walk. But I then decided to do the 5k, as it was a perfect way to complete my challenge.

The MS Walk was tough. I was still using a crutch and it was the longest walk I’d done. But it was lovely seeing so many people walking, and lots of volunteers. I felt very proud of myself for completing it. It was the farthest I'd ever walked. It took me through my old running route in the city I'd been living in when everything changed.

It was a big accomplishment to combat both the physical and emotional barriers. And prove to myself that I could do it.

Leaning on loved ones

My mum’s been my support throughout this whole journey. She was there cheering me on at the finish line. 

She’s also now an MS fundraiser. She’s so far raised £800 for MS Cymru through cycling events. Including the London-Wales-London 400k, Everesting (repeatedly cycling up the same hill until reaching the equivalent height of Mount Everest) and a 24-hour time trial.

Raising awareness

Whether you’re fundraising, creating, campaigning, or simply showing up — the more awareness raised, the better. 

The more people who know about MS, the more we understand it. The more we understand it, the better the research, the better the treatment. And the better the future for everyone living with MS.