I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in September 2014. At the time, the only two people I knew with MS were both in wheelchairs, and sadly one of them is no longer with us. Naturally, my first thoughts were filled with fear, that I wouldn’t be able to walk, let alone cycle, in the years ahead.

Thankfully, I have remained well. But those early fears never completely disappeared.

In December 2025, I entered a competition to win a place in Chase The Sun, a 200-mile cycle from Whitley Bay at sunrise to Ayr by sunset. I never expected to win the competition, but I did.

The furthest I’ve ever cycled is 79 miles, from the Skye Bridge to the Kessock Bridge, so when the excitement settled, nerves quickly followed. The morning after I found out, I questioned whether I was pushing myself too far and whether my body could cope.

But this ride is about more than distance. It’s about challenging the assumptions I once made about life with MS, and the limits I was told, or believed I would have. I will listen to my body while I train and hopefully everything will be ok.

The Oxygen Works is a local, independent Scottish charity (SC020475) based in Inverness.  We provide oxygen therapy and personalised support and treatments to people living in the Scottish Highlands and many with MS.

Across all of our operations and interactions we focus on the individuals we support at all times.  Providing the highest standard of treatment and client care.  We operate an environment of trust and respect to provide a positive experience for all.