England Council

In my day to day life, I’m based in London and I manage strategic alliances for a technology firm.  

After my diagnosis in 2021, there were suddenly an awful lot of questions I struggled to find answers to. These led me to find a wonderful, supportive, knowledgeable and caring community of people with MS. As part of the Council, I want to raise awareness of MS symptoms, how the condition can be managed and where to find advice. I also want to help people with MS to voice their needs, both in and out of the workplace. 

I was diagnosed with MS 14 years ago. At the time I was working as an occupational therapy support worker in a neurological unit specialising in acquired brain and spinal injury and MS.

In 2011 I had to take ill health retirement. To continue my passion, I decided to volunteer for the MS Society and train to become a lead support volunteer.

In January 2017 I became a group coordinator, and this has helped me to expand on the support they provide to those with MS in the local area. I'm involved in various steering committees with the NHS and local authority, where I provide advice and guidance from the point of view of someone with MS.

I'm a Project Manager working from home and a small business owner.

I first became aware of MS when my fiancé was diagnosed 5 years ago. I immediately started doing my own research into various lifestyle changes we could both make to help him.

I like to keep an eye on new research and MS in the news. And I’ve been contributing to different fundraisers over the years. Now I'm super proud to be able to say I'm a member of the England Council for the charity that supports so many people living with MS or with someone who has MS.

I was living with MS for over a year before it was confirmed. Before taking ill health retirement, I worked in the prison service for 17 years. I have been pleased by the care that I am given by my specialist at Southampton hospital, my local hospital and by the local MS nurse.

I know there are people living with MS who are a lot worse off than myself and I want to give something back. Having worked in conjunction with many charities though my work in the resettlement programme in the prison service, I feel I can help the MS community.

I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2017 when I was 21. The MS Society was a great source of information and support for me following my diagnosis, and still is. 
 
I feel incredibly passionate about supporting people with chronic illnesses and disabilities in the workplace, and society. And I spend my free time campaigning and raising awareness to help others. 
 
I look forward to working with the fellow members of the Council and the MS Society to help people with MS. 

I work full time for an animal charity. I live with my husband Dan and our rescue cat Colin who occasionally tags along on our caravan holidays.

I was officially diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2015. And I'm extremely lucky my local hospital has a fantastic team of MS nurses.

I would like to get more involved with the MS community and give back some of what I've learnt along the way.

I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2008, just as I was graduating and starting my first career as a journalist.

Since then, I’ve been a keen fundraiser for the MS Society. And I now run my own social enterprise, Access Generation CIC, which helps young people break down the employment barriers. I’m currently walking 5,000 miles over five years for the charity and most of the miles are with my Pug dog, Max.

The challenge runs from 2020 to 2025. And, so far, Max and I have walked over 1,500 miles. I do it because I can. I want to keep moving while my legs still work and I want to raise awareness of the sometimes invisible illness. My challenge #Invisible40 is for the MS Society and I’m so pleased to join the National Council to help influence their work.

I'm nearing the end of my diagnosis journey with a working assumption of primary progressive MS. To say it's a shock is an understatement. But as the great Johnny Cash sang, "I won’t back down".

I've mainly worked for the Ministry of Defence, most recently relocating and evacuating Afghans who've worked directly for the Army and the UK Government. Now I want to use that experience and the team building, engagement and networking skills I've developed to improve understanding and awareness of MS issues. I want better options and support for the MS community.

I was diagnosed in 2015 and have recently been “upgraded” to primary progressive MS. When I was diagnosed I was shocked at how many of my friends and relatives had never even heard of MS. And, to this day, have still not met anyone who knows anything about MS.

I believe greater national awareness is key. And we must strive to improve this – together we can achieve this. So many other conditions are very much in the public eye, but MS seems to be somewhat lagging in this area, together we can put this right. Here to serve.

I have relapsing remitting MS, or as like to say, I’m an MSer!

I’m proud to be on the England Council and represent those with MS and affected by MS in my local community.

My role involves listening to the views of people with MS and making sure I have a good understanding of their opinions and needs. I then bring this to the council and share information with local MSers to keep them properly informed of developments.