Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Approximatley 9 years ago our Mum was diagnosed with MS.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and there are four main types of the disease. 

Relapse and Remitting : characterised by 'good turns and bad turns' . Relapses - an attack of MS follwed by a period of remission, an almost recovery. Secondary MS : where the condition of the disease worsons, no real recovery. Primary Progressive : Rapid progression of the disease with no periods of remission and Bengin : term that is used to describe the condition in people who have had MS for a long time without picking up any serious disability.

Symptons of the disease may include mobility problems, spasticity, pain, impaired vision and cognitive dysfunction. Whilst there are drug treatments for the disease, there is NO cure.

From being diagnosed, our Mum went from Relapse and Remitting straight through to Primary Progressive. This was incredibly hard for a once hands on active Mum of two, and also distressing for family and friends who watch as she deteriorated and continues to still. Her life as she knew it is no more. From driving, enjoying keeping fit, annually taking my sister and I to Florida, generally running after us - washing, ironing and helping out with our horses (albeit reluctantly!), Mum is now virtually paralysed from the waist down and can only occasionaly leave the house, usually to attend hospital appointments, in a wheelchair due to the spasms in both her legs and bladder. As a Grandmother to my 3yr old daughter, not being able to be a physically active part of her life is heart breaking for her, especially when Lucy asks if her legs will get better once she's older, or asks her to come with us places and offers to push her in her wheelchair! We laugh at her naivety nevertheless I can see Mum fighting the tears. Physically able or not, she is our rock and supports us in many other ways.

Despite her illness, my Mum remains positve and endures her illness with such admirable strength and courage.

Whilst funding is desperatley required to help find a cure for MS, it is also needed to provide services such as therapy, equipment and support to not only those sufferring from the disease, but their families also. My sister was younger than I when Mum was diagnosed and resided with her at the time. It was extremely hard for her to accept. Not only the huge, necessary adaptions to the family home, but seeing the daily decline of Mums condition. I worked full time as a Police officer and was unable to be there for every hospital appointment or visit from Social services. Fortunately we are a close family and she had my father and other family members at hand to help out. I appreciate some people do not have that luxury and are left dealing with the stress and heartache alone. I think it is very important, whether you are the one suffering or if it's a relative, that you have a support network and that is something this charity can offer.

MS Research and Relief fund relies greatly upon the generosity of individuals to continue to provide its services. Having seen the hard work, passion and commitment the staff at the charity put in, and the fact it is a subject close to our hearts, it only makes sense that my sister and I run for the charity and hopefully make our Mum proud in the process.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.