Thanks for taking the time to visit my page. 

On September 6th I am flying to Kathmandu, Nepal to begin a 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and maybe, if all goes well and weather permitting, we will climb Kala Patthar a nearby peak (5545m). This trek is organised by MS Ireland as part of their fundraising efforts each year. 

Why am I doing this?  

I was confirmed with Multiple Sclerosis on 23rd March 2011. It was a big shock. In fact, if I'm honest, it took me years to come to terms with properly. Now, I just feel so lucky as I live symptom free and enjoy a normal life. 

Two things significantly put it into perspective for me: one was that a friend (upon hearing my diagnosis at the time) said to me, "I know you won't let this define you as a person." And it really stuck in my head. I had been wallowing in panic that I'd be walking around with a tag on my back for life, that it was part of who I am. But it's not part of who I am and I don't let it define me. Hence why I only told friends and family, who of course are all amazing and super supportive. 

The other thing is an analogy I came up with to explain to people what it's like having MS, which in the end kind of helped me put it into perspective: I think of my illness like being told that I am more likely to get hit by a bus one day. But the thing is I don't know for sure if I will or how hard it will hit me, it might just clip my leg or arm or something, or if it will kill me. The reality is anyone could get hit by a bus so what's the point in worrying?! Live life to the fullest. 

So I thought, why not trek to the tallest mountain on the planet? Well, the bottom of it (that's important, not getting carried away here)! And in the process raise money for MS Ireland who help those who really need support and care. That's why I'm doing this and that's why I need your help. 

Please sponsor me to do this trek and help MS Ireland by giving whatever you can. I am aiming to raise €5,500 but hopefully I can raise even more than that! The more people that know about MS Ireland, the greater their impact, so please also spread the word by sharing my page with your friends and family. 

THANK YOU in advance for your generosity, it really means a lot! Dee x

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