Why on earth am I leaping out of a plane at 10000 feet, strapped to a burly (I hope) man and free falling for 30 seconds? Simple answer, I have to do what I can, while I can.

In 2007, I had my first episode of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. I lost the sight in my right eye overnight. I still don’t have any central vision in it, but I have peripheral, so that’s lucky. I was officially diagnosed in 2011 after several more episodes of numbness, tingling and trigeminal neuralgia. And then, in 2024, I got the upgrade to Secondary Progressive. Again, I’m fortunate. My mobility and, glamorously, my bladder is affected but, so far, cognitive function is all intact. So now it’s absolutely my time to do everything I can before it becomes impossible.

I discovered Wessex MS Therapy Centre in Warminster in 2023. It's a wonderful charity providing all kinds of services (including Neuro Physiotherapy and Oxygen Therapy) at subsidised rates and, importantly, a whole host of people who absolutely 'understand'. It is run largely by volunteers, some of whom are MSers like me. Members and Volunteers are all so positive and that is joyous. Having a lifelong condition can sometimes be overwhelming, so it’s always a tonic to meet people who are not only on the same voyage but who are  cheerfully clinging on to the wreckage!!

So that’s why I’m leaping out of a plane.  I want to jump for them - as well as for me. Many fabulous charities are funding research into MS, but the Wessex MS Therapy Centre is grassroots, dealing with the here and now. MS is my constant companion, the gift that keeps on giving, so we’re doing this together, while we can.

Thank you in anticipation of your support.