When we were 21 years old, one of my closest friends was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Unbeknownst to me, she had been struggling for a while with simple everyday functions that we take for granted, like holding a pen.

She has been very lucky in that her MS progressed very little during her 20s and 30s, however as we have become older the progression, while still slow compared to other people afflicted with this chronic disease, has become more noticeable and requires more management. She used to run relatively frequently - moaning all the way! - but now isn't able to for fear of falling as there are days when her feet just don't cooperate, so she walks instead.

Although my friend is not nearly as affected as many MS sufferers out there, it's hard to see someone I love struggle, and frustrating that there is nothing I or any of our other friends can do to make it all go away. But I can fundraise. And if my fundraising efforts through running the 2024 London Marathon play just a small part in helping to fund research into this debilitating disease, then at least I have done something. You can do something too.....every ££ counts.