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Chris's fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis Trust (MS Trust)

Chris Parkins is raising money for Multiple Sclerosis Trust (MS Trust)

Cambridge Half Marathon 2027 · 14 March 2027 · Start fundraising for this event

Take to the streets of Cambridge to support MS Trust. Every step you take through this historic city will make a difference for those affected by MS.

Story

I’m fundraising for MS Trust by Running the Cambridge Half Marathon in March 2027.

In January 2025 I lost the feeling in the right hand side of my face and head. I remember dismissing it as it progressed, thinking it was probably because I’d been working longer hours, was stressed, had a 2 year old and wasn’t getting much sleep.

A few doctors, hospital and specialist visits later I was flashed up the “precautionary” MRI scan of numerous lesions in my brain and told I had MS rather than Bells Palsy which the doctors were convinced it was.

At the time, I remember being pretty much in denial about the whole thing and felt quite ashamed to tell anyone, especially friends and family. I really didn’t, and still don’t, feel ill.

MS was an older persons disease, a severe physical disability.

In reality, most people are diagnosed between 20-40 and it’s often seen as an invisible disease in those age ranges, as unless the person tells you, you probably wouldn’t know. Only when the disease progresses, and physical disabilities become more obvious does it become discernible.

It’s those assumptions that are why I’d like to raise awareness, and hopefully some money, to support earlier diagnosis, mental health support and hopefully improved treatment of this disease.

Right now, my MS is stable, it was caught unusually early, the 6 monthly immunosuppressant treatment I am on is stopping my immune system attacking my nerves and brain and I have had no severe relapses so far.

MS is unpredictable, but as I am able to right now, I’d like to take on this challenge.

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MS Trust

They are a UK charity who bring together expertise from every angle to help people feel more in control of their MS, today and every day. Through trusted information, compassionate support, the training of new MS healthcare professionals, and research rooted in real experience, they’re here for every MS. Every day.

Thank you so much for your support!

Donation summary

Total
£1,005.10
+ £246.28 Gift Aid
Online
£1,005.10
Offline
£0.00

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