In April 2025 I ran a marathon for the first time to mark ten years since my diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS). I trained for six months with my Dad John, however unfortunately he had to pull out just before the London Marathon after a shock diagnosis of a serious heart problem. He cheered me on from the sidelines, had surgery shortly after and is now fully recovered.

We’ve decided to run the London Marathon in April 2026. We’re running to support each other, raise vital funds for the MS Society and show that our health challenges are only part of our stories. I am so proud to train alongside my Dad again in the Surrey hills and we’re commited to crossing the finish line together.

MS is a condition that affects your central nervous system. It affects everyone differently, and for me I’ve dealt with periods of relapses and remission of the last decade. I am very grateful to now be on an effective treatment which means I can live well with MS, however not everyone is able to access treatments.

There has never been a more exciting time for MS research and the MS Society is the UK’s largest charitable funder. I’m lucky to directly benefit from the results of this research myself and have met many of the wonderful scientists leading this work over the last six years as Trustee and now Vice Chair of the MS Society.

Researchers are working on three ways to slow or stop MS progression: preventing immune damage, promoting myelin repair and protecting nerves from damage. Together we can stop MS.

Thank you for reading, we’re grateful for the support and your generosity.

Emily and John