In 2010 I woke up and I couldn't feel the toes in one foot. As the days went by that turned into the whole foot, then both feet, then legs. Something was wrong. I ignored it and tried to pretend it wasn't happening. I was 25. The numbness and tingling moved up to my waist, with shooting sensations down my legs. I was struggling to walk.

I went to visit a friend in hospital who happened to have MS. We chatted, and I told her what was going on. She looked at me very seriously and told me I needed to go to see my GP. I think at that point I knew. My Grandmother had had MS too. 3 months later I would phone her again and ask what "demyelination" was. I hadn't taken much from the appointment with the consultant as he mumbled and talked to his notes which thankfully were typed so I could read upsidedown. Just that one word - "demyelination". No mention of what was wrong with me but that told my friend everything she needed to know. I had Multiple Sclerosis. So I went round and she handed me some information booklets from the MS Trust, so I could get to grips with what was going on. By this point my legs had returned to normal and I would later be told I had Relapsing & Remitting MS. So there would be good spells and spells which would not be so good.

Over the last 14 years, I have many handed many booklets to friends, employers and family in a bid to try and explain what it is that I live with. Research and an amazing team of MS Nurses at the RVI in Newcastle mean that my days are mostly good and my condition is under control. The MS trust has always been there and I don't know where I would be without them, so I would like to take to opportunity to give something back by running the Great North Run to raise money so they can continue the work they do to support others too.

The MS Trust is committed to ensuring everyone with MS can access the treatments and services they need and deserve. They aim to represent and reach all people affected by MS, from the moment of diagnosis throughout their journey. Your support will allow the MS Trust to continue to train health professionals. Approximately 103,688 people with MS live in areas where there are not enough MS nurses to look after everyone. So, The MS Trust are working with the NHS to fund new MS nurses in the areas that need them most and ensure people with MS have the care and support they need.