I got diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) about four years ago. It was a real shock but I was told by my medical team that with the disease modification therapy I was prescribed I would be fine and I would live a pretty normal life. And I did for a while, which is why I didn’t talk about it much – I had a mild limp and back pain but I just got on with it, as I do.

Unfortunately, as time has gone by, the symptoms of this disease have got worse. I’m now using a stick to walk for five minutes or longer, I really struggle to climb stairs and I am in pain most or all of the time. I don’t know how long it will be before I worsen further – perhaps needing a wheelchair and potentially being unable to work (which would be such a shame as I’ve recently retrained as a counsellor/trauma therapist, which I love).

There is a treatment that stabilises MS and prevents its progression (85-90% of the time). It’s called HSCT, and is basically a combination of chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. It’s very difficult to get on the NHS and sadly I don’t meet the criteria so I’m hoping to raise the funds to go to a world-renowned clinic in Mexico , which consistently delivers outstanding results.

The procedure costs roughly £43,000 and I’m hoping to raise £55,000 to help cover the costs of getting there and back plus medication and tests pre- and post-procedure (MRIs, tests, haematology meds, time off work, etc). I’m hoping to raise the money to commence the procedure on 24 November 2025.

My fundraising team (myself, Neil, Laura, Stephanie, Jenn, Kate and Bobbykins) and other mates will do our best to get me to Mexico with GoFundMe donations, a big, banging party as well as an auction and other fundraising activities.

Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me, but here I am. I really want to freely and painlessly move my body again, and reclaim my life without the constant fear and sense of deterioration. Your generous support in any way will be hugely appreciated.

Thank you, Tan xx