In 2025, our family’s world changed forever with two letters: MS.

There are points in your life that you can never prepare for. Things that you haven’t even considered. Those that blindside you on a random Tuesday evening when you least expect it. For us, it was John being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in January 2025 (just 2 months from his 50th birthday).

John’s diagnosis has had a profound impact on our lives, having always valued and embraced an active lifestyle together. He has always been the strong figure in the family. Happiest when in the mountains walking, climbing or skiing. He runs an outdoor event company specialising in adventure and expeditions around the world.

Although medical advances in recent years have led to more sophisticated treatments for MS, there is still no cure for this lifelong degenerative disease. The most devastating potential symptom is the gradual loss of mobility. In John’s case, the deterioration of his brain and spinal nervous system has been so severe that he was diagnosed within just two months. His symptoms include difficulties with coordination, balance and stability when walking, as well as numbness, pain in the limbs, swallowing and speech challenges. John’s diagnosis has made us reconsider our future and how best to maintain the active life he loves while preparing for what may come.

As a family, we have always been motivated to do good in the world and try to be a positive influence on those around us. Therefore, the best way we can think of turning such a difficult and unexpected situation into some good, is to raise money for a cause that will help others. Not only in a possible cure and further medical advancements, but also by showing that you can still do extraordinary things despite physical restrictions. Showing that achieving amazing goals and pushing beyond your limits is possible for anyone.

Therefore, In 2026, Team Limb is taking action by embarking on a series of epic endurance challenges to raise money for the MS Society.

The challenge begins with Phil (Limb Junior) running the London Marathon. After 20 years of failed ballot attempts, his chance has finally arrived. Having never run further than 30km, this will be his toughest test yet, with months of training already underway in Devon as he targets a bold 3:45 finish.

Next, his wife Jo steps up to tackle the Peak District Ultra Challenge. After completing the Jurassic Coast Ultra in 2024, she’s back for more pain, running 52km with 1,250m of ascent across the Peaks with her friends Claire and Liz. They are hoping the stunning scenery of the Peak District will distract from their aching limbs (pardon the pun!).

Finally, John (Limb Senior) and his wife Imogen take on the biggest challenge of all - the Seven Peaks of the Alps. Across one continuous expedition, they will climb seven summits in Switzerland and France, totalling nearly 18,000 metres of ascent - four times the height of the Matterhorn, and twice the height of Everest from sea to summit. For John, living with MS, this will push his body and mind further than anything he has ever attempted. For both of them, it's a chance to rewrite the rules of what is possible in the face of adversity, and to prove that the mountains are still theirs to climb.

How will your donation help?

Your support will not only give Team Limb a huge driving force to push us forward when we need it most, donations to the MS Society will help so many others as they live with this incurable illness:

• Fund life-changing research into better treatments and a cure

• Support the MS Helpline, offering expert advice and emotional support

• Provide grants for equipment and home adaptations to help people live independently

• Deliver trusted information for those newly diagnosed

• Campaign for better care and faster access to treatments

What your donation can do

• £10 could help provide trusted information to someone newly diagnosed

• £25 could support the MS Helpline when someone needs advice or reassurance

• £50 could help fund research into new treatments

• £100 could contribute towards grants that help someone stay independent at home

Every donation, no matter the size, helps people live better with MS today and brings us closer to a future free from MS.

Thank you for supporting Team Limb 💙