This is the most nerve-racking thing I’ve ever had to do and trust me; I know scary. Out of everything, asking strangers for generosity and kindness in such economic uncertainty is number one thee most terrifying.

From 2012 I have struggled with debilitating neurological symptoms, such as blurred vision, loss of power in my limbs, poor co-ordination and slurred speech, which led to my diagnosis of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) two years later at 17.

Prior to my diagnosis, I went through a lot of difficulties at such a young age and at a time where I was still at school studying my GCSE’s/A-Levels. I began to be absent a lot due to multiple doctor visits, scans, lumbar punctures and during this time, simple day-to-day tasks such as taking a shower and walking became seemingly more difficult, a direct result of MS and its symptoms. My life had completely changed.

As a result of the ongoing and worsening conditions, I am now seeking a breakthrough treatment known as HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) that I hope will help bring some normality to my life and halt progression of this unforgiving auto-immune disease. I have provided further information on this treatment in my story below. I would be so so thankful if you took the time to read my story, which I am grateful to be able to share with you, as it has had such a significant impact on my life.

Please take the time to read my story and share to everyone and anyone possible, I would be so thankful for all help towards my cause. If you have any more fundraising ideas that would help, I would also grateful if you shared.

Hello, my name is Kerrie Hamilton. I am a 26-year-old Staff Nurse and I live in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland. I live with my partner, and we have a pet Labradoodle named Noodle.

For anyone not aware of what this unforgiving disease is; Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive autoimmune disease, where your body’s immune system attacks your own central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) damaging the myelin coating that protects the nerves. This causes an array of symptoms such as muscle stiffness or spasticity, slurred speech, visual changes, tremors, paralysis, bladder problems, fatigue, depression and much more.

My Multiple Sclerosis Journey first began when I was 15 climbing up the Sperrin mountains for my Duke of Edinburgh silver award. Halfway up the mountain without warning and unknowingly to my team members, I started having what I can only describe as electrical impulses in my head and down my arms not knowing what was happening. I just kept marching on. It was only weeks after when my double vision, slurred speech, muscle weakness and balance issues came to fruition that I went to my GP and was referred to Neurology, and 2 years later I was diagnosed with Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. As you can imagine, this had completely changed my life and how I saw my future.

After finishing school, I gained a degree in Nursing despite my difficulties, as I’ve always wanted to help others and aspired to be a nurse. Now, I am asking for your help to fundraise for this life-changing treatment.

The HSCT treatment that I am fundraising for aims to stop the damage caused by MS. The chemotherapy based medical procedure ablates my immune system and effectively reboots it using my own stem cells that will be harvested prior to treatment. This treatment is not guaranteed to halt everyone’s MS progression, but thus far has proven very effective. It has been found that the sooner the treatment is started the more effective it is, so I would like to access it before this disease robs me of any more of my abilities and the sad inevitability happens – losing the ability to walk and my own independence.

My aim is to raise the funds required for me to travel to Mexico and receive the HSCT treatment. I would be so grateful for any contribution to my cause, that I hope will bring some normality back to my life. The money fundraised will go towards the medical procedures, aftercare and medication. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story, it is so greatly appreciated.

Kerrie x