Why I support the Stop MS Appeal and why we can’t stop now

She’s a passionate supporter of our Stop MS Appeal, a blogger and very active in her local group. Here, Jacqueline shares her experiences supporting the MS Society and her hopes for the future.

Searching for answers and finding the MS Society

When first diagnosed and as my symptoms progressed, I turned increasingly to the MS Society website. I wanted to understand what help was available. And to learn about the research into this condition that had entered my life out of the blue.

I also joined a local support group, MS Northamptonshire. Many years later, a visiting staff member asked if I’d be interested in taking part in a major fundraising campaign. The goal? A jaw-dropping £100 million to help stop MS!

How I got involved in the Stop MS Appeal

I had a keen interest in volunteering at the MS Society. As a member of the MS Society’s Research Network, I reviewed and commented on patient and public involvement (PPI) for research grant applicants. I was also a patient member in meetings with international researchers and clinicians. We helped identify potential treatments for the Octopus trial, the first multi-arm, multi-stage trial for MS.

I was also on the MS-STAT2 clinical trial at the time, so I knew a little about the patient journey. Even so, I’ve got no idea why I was picked to feature in the campaign film, which was shown on TV in 2019. But I had no hesitation in saying yes. Raising awareness and waving the orange flag would have a critical role in raising the funds needed to support MS research.

Filming the campaign – singing to Stop MS

Filming for the ad campaign was incredible. It took place ‘on location’ in East London, where I was driven around by my son, being filmed while singing Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Don’t Stop’.

Find out more about the public launch of our Stop MS Appeal and TV ad in 2019

There were three or four of us with MS who were involved. We didn’t meet during filming because of our varying timetables and the crew’s sensitivity towards our needs. That pleasure was saved for the grand premiere at the home of the BAFTAs, no less! It was an exciting time, but nerve-wracking, too.

What if the film was a flop? What if it didn’t get the message across? What if all that time, effort, and money still didn’t generate enough funds?

This was the MS Society’s largest-ever campaign investment. It had to have a big impact.

We’re 90% of the way there

Well, here we are, six or seven years later (not forgetting there was a global pandemic in the middle that stopped all of us in our tracks). And we’re over 90% of the way to the hugely ambitious £100 million target.

Stop MS drives more than funding: it drives collaboration and knowledge

As well as raising money, the Stop MS Appeal has created valuable global alliances between researchers and medics. The impact of these collaborations will go far beyond the Stop MS Appeal itself, bringing together new knowledge, understanding and, ultimately, hope.

An MS-free future is nearly within reach

MS won’t be confined to the history books just yet, but that day is getting closer. With the great strides made in disease modifying therapies (DMTs), we’ll hopefully have effective treatments available for everyone with MS. That’s the hope for me and tens of thousands of others.

Yesterday, spring sunshine poured through the windows at our annual MS support group lunch. It lit up the faces of all those attending together with their friends and families. We’ve all come so far.

The treatments I receive today exist thanks to those who, decades ago, volunteered to take part in trials with no expectation of benefitting themselves. And I feel so proud to be part of the MS community, where that spirit is still alive today.

Let’s give one final push to stop MS, together

We’re closer than ever to finding treatments that work for everyone living with MS. Will you help fund the treatment revolution? 

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