There are 2.5 million people worldwide living with multiple sclerosis (MS) - a club of which I (Ged) am now a lifetime member!😜. MS is one of the most common disabling conditions affecting young adults, but there is hope beyond the diagnosis.

Overcoming MS (OMS) is the world’s leading MS self-management charity. Their vision is simple and powerful: that everyone with MS can live the fullest life possible, supported by the practical, proven and positive OMS Self-Management Programme.

I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2019 and, like many people, I started researching the condition the very same day. That's when I discovered OMS - and I began following the programme, immediately. Since then, life has thrown me an unexpected twist: an MRI revealed a benign (thankfully!) rosette-forming glial neuronal tumour, which I affectionately named Gillian.

OMS has supported me physically and mentally throughout my journey with MS. It has helped me not just survive, but truly live - and shouldn't everyone get that chance?

Now in my 50's, still breathing, still moving, and still grateful, I want to give something back.

I have been an avid rock climber since my teens, and I'm determined not to let MS stop me. Sometimes that means moving slowly or even lifting my less-responsive left leg with my hand to get it onto the next hold🫣 - but the joy of climbing is worth it every time.

So in 2026, I'm combining my love of climbing with my wish to support OMS. Like many people with chronic conditions, I have good days and not so good days. I won't manage a climb every single day - but across the year, I can complete a climb for every day, so during 2026 I'll be doing at least 365 climbs.

With the help of my ever-patient climbing partner, Adam, we'll be climbing indoors, outdoors, and occasionally with ice axes.

We'll be sharing regular blog updates throughout 2026 - how many climbs we've completed, how high we've gone, how I'm feeling, and how MS is affecting both me and those around me. I hope that by sharing this journey, someone else facing similar challenges might find hope, encouragement, or even a spark of inspiration.

You can follow our blog at:

https://climb365withms.blogspot.com/

Thankyou for reading, for sharing our story, and for anything you are able to donate. Your support means the world to us and everyone OMS helps🥰.

Ged and Adam