"The people running trials are unsung heroes – we need to get behind them"

I was the first person in my area to join the Octopus trial, which is the first ever trial of its kind for progressive MS. For this reason, I’ve been called a history maker - though I would struggle to call myself one. But I understand I am part of a much bigger thing.

For me, joining the trial was a win-win situation. I don’t think a lot of people appreciate that there’s a lot of benefit from being on a trial. You get MRI scans, you get extra care, blood tests, people who will answer your questions. That’s a great comfort to me and my wife.

There’s a whole team of people who are working hard, five days a week, to make life better for you. They are unsung heroes.

I’m 64 and I realise I’m unlikely to get the full benefits of it. But it makes me feel good about myself - I hope it’ll benefit other people. People with MS now, who are younger than me. And those who get diagnosed today.

My diagnosis in 1990

I was 30 when I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS, in 1990. I’d got married the year before and my wife was pregnant with our first child. The neurologist who diagnosed me told me to go home and enjoy my life, and not to worry about it. Then I told my employer and they offered me early retirement. I didn’t want to retire at 30, so I carried on working, and travelled all over the world.

There’s not enough understanding of MS

There was a huge lack of understanding of MS then, and there still is now. I can remember a while ago, walking along the street and being accused of being drunk. I don’t think that society really understands MS, the trials and tribulations that people go through.

I didn’t get it myself, when I was working, earning good money, travelling and doing all these things. It’s not until you ‘cross over to the other side of the room’ you see exactly how people with disabilities are treated.

Being part of something bigger than myself

My MS is now secondary progressive. I retired four years ago – I can’t work 5 days a week. But I have a very busy timetable. I do a lot of volunteering and I’m training to be a peer support worker. Last year I made a video for the MS Society on the importance of clinical trials. And now I’m supporting this campaign.

It could be revolutionary

I’m passionate about the Octopus trial: it could be revolutionary. I want to get the message out about why it’s important. I hope I can help the MS Society to push forward, get the money to pay for trials like these and make change.

At my age I want to see change for the better and the only way to do it is to speak up. If I don’t get involved, I can’t make a change.

It doesn’t matter how much you donate – it’s the fact that people are prepared to give money. You’ll be helping someone, at the end of the day.

Research will stop MS. Be part of history by donating today.