At the beginning of October, I have decided to climb Mount Etna in support of a new and incredibly inspiring charity for MS Sufferers – MS Positive. The founder of this charity is Toni, a mother of two who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago. A diagnosis like this has a huge impact on the whole family unit but with the benefit of resource and access to high quality 360 support; with sheer will and determination and SO much courage and spirit Toni and her family have all chosen to live to their full potential in spite of this diagnosis. They now wish to give back and have chosen to do this by setting up MS Positive, a charity focused on family support and positive living regardless of MS.

It is the intention and wish for this charity to grow and flourish but to be contained enough to provide direct (and without bureaucracy ) support to the MS community in the form of (but not limited to):

· Emotional support from those who know what it’s like to have MS, via support groups, a hotline, our website and a forum for families

. Practical support, such as exercise and pilates classes, advice on healthy living and finance and assessing child-care

· And in the longer term, a safe haven, a state-of-the-art facility in North London.

Sadly MS is so prevalent today and without access to positive support can be debilitating for the sufferers and their families. Please help us raise money for what we hope will become a leading initiative in the role smaller organisations have to play in changing the way the MS community and their families can forge ahead and live a POSITIVE life.