Jane Perry’s London Marathon Run to help keep Harrow MS Therapy Centre open

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in July 1995. M.S is a condition whereby the immune system attacks the insulation, myelin, around nerves in the body. So if you imagine the whole army inside you, which stops you dropping dead from any old infection that comes your way – well it’s that same army (your immune system) attacking the insulation to nerves in your body and left untreated that army can and does cause devastating damage in those who have M.S. Once it’s finished getting through a nerve’s myelin it then attacks the nerve.

My first relapse started with a severe bruised feeling above my left knee and an inexplicable limp on my left side. The bruised sensation spread and changed to virulent pins and needles and I ended up, at the height of that relapse, not being able to walk further than a few feet at a time. My first directing job, on “Casualty” was broadcast 2 months before the first relapse struck. The second relapse started 5 months after the first and incapacitated my right hand. The future was not looking bright!

I started going to the MS Therapy Centre in Harrow for High Dose Oxygen Treatment (HDOT) in March 1996. HDOT treatment involves breathing high dose oxygen under pressure in a Decompression Chamber. You wear an oxygen mask and the chamber is pressurized whilst still containing ordinary air. I go for a treatment once every 2 weeks and have extra sessions when needed.

High Dose Oxygen for use in the treatment of M.S began in Scotland where research was being done into diving accidents and deaths occurring in the deep sea oil drilling industry. Autopsies on divers revealed similar damage and lesions to those of M.S patients. Divers are treated with pure oxygen for the bends in Hyperbaric or Barochambers and it was suggested that this treatment might be helpful for those who have M.S. The treatment was tried on some very willing guinea pigs and shown to be useful. Whilst not a cure, oxygen treatment helps slow the disease progression, promotes healing and improves fatigue.

How HBOT works for me

My own neurologist supported the Harrow M.S centre and my treatment there. My experience over the last 20 years has been consistent – if I can get treatment before a relapse beds in – that’s before pins and needles become virulent – the treatment stops the relapse. When I haven’t had treatment in time I’ve had full relapses some of which have resulted in permanent damage.

What I have found, through HDOT treatment, is I can avoid relapses and promote repair. Add to this that I take high doses of supplements containing the chemicals that make up myelin and you end up with me – on a cocktail of painkillers yes but able to run and running! Isn't it dangerous running when you have M.S? Well yes I am more likely to fall over however I used to fall over a few times a year just walking - in the 4 years, I've been running 5 miles 3 times a week, I've not fallen over once whilst walking - running improves balance and I wear protective knees pads which have saved my knees from injury. 

Unfortunately HDOT is difficult to clinically trial – what else could be given to test it against cyanide?:-) For this reason HDOT is not available for M.S on the NHS. This is why the centre in Harrow was set up in the 1980s to provide treatment free to those who have M.S and this is also why the centre is dependent on donations. The running costs alone are £200,000 per year – a third of this comes via donations from those using the centre and their families. We have to fund-raise the rest. Not to mention we need a new centre! Our current one resides in a glorified Scouts' hut!

HDOT is also used to treat sports injuries - for example it's in the public domain that both David Beckham (for broken toe) and Wayne Rooney have used HDOT treatment - so if you can pass my just giving page on to any  sports people I'd be most grateful.

I have no doubt of the benefits I’ve had from HDOT and I want to make sure that M.S patients wanting HDOT treatment aren’t denied the same chance I’ve had. In short I think my running this years’ London Marathon for the centre is the very least I can do though there won’t be much point without sponsors – sponsor me, tweet me – you won’t find anyone who’d appreciate it more. THANK YOU