2019 was an incredibly scary year for me, I initially suffered with severve blurred vision and migraines which quickly turned into the complete loss of sight and the ability to move. I couldn't walk, my speech was slurred, I wasn't able to swallow for some time, my vision completely went for a number of weeks. Whilst unaware of a diagnosis at this point I was treated with IV steroids, plasma exchange, chemotherapy and I've had more MRI's than I can count. My health did gradually improve, however I was still undiagnosed and whilst I began to walk and see again, I started to experience other symptoms. Constant fatigue, issues with my balance, cognitive difficulties, numbness/tingling and several others. Between February 2019 and June 2021, I continued having tests, had another two hospital stays as I started to relapse and finally in June 2021 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 

I worry about the future, and what it could hold given everything I've experienced in the last four years. Which is why I want to do as much as possible whilst I physically can, the idea of completing this trek when I couldn't walk four years ago is exciting, but the idea that I could do it to raise money for other people like myself makes it 1000 times more worth it. 

Throughout this period I have had an amazing support network, I couldn't possibly fault any of my friends or family, they really did everything they could and I will always be grateful for that. My mom has been my rock, she has been there for me 110%, I wouldn't have had such a positive attitude without her. Which is why she's made the decision to also support me with this trek, we carried each other through the darkest few months of my life and now we are going to do the same in China. 

Since diagnosis I have disease modifying therapy (DMT) every six months. This infusion targets the immune system, it essentially kills the B cells, weakening the immune system. Whilst this has reduced relapses for me, I want to raise money towards research that could stop progression of the disease, I want to stop MS so less people have to go through what I have. So any support is welcome and greatly appreciated! We won't stop, until we stop MS 💪 

Thank you all in advance and thanks to the people in my life that have been there every step of the way 💖 

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