So, you probably know I run a lot. And a marathon isn't that special. For me. Even the London Marathon, which I'm running in 2018.
But what if you have Multiple Sclerosis?
Suddenly it's all different.
MS is a scary, confusing, debilitating disease.
The symptoms even vary massively for different individuals. They might include loss of balance, tremor in the hands, optic neuritis (eye pain), nerve pain, joint pain, "jelly legs", numbness, weakness, pins and needles, fatigue and bladder problems.
Worse, many symptoms are hidden, making people think that you look well.
One of my wife's bridesmaids was diagnosed with MS at 38. She has two beautiful young children.
Imagine not being able to run or play in the sea with your children, because the waves mess with your balance.
Imagine the confusion and fear in the voice of your child when you have a dizzy spell and look like collapsing. "Are you alright mummy? Is it your wobbly head?"
Imagine not being able to open your left eye first thing in the morning to properly greet your family.
Or not being able to do the housework. Or go for a nice walk with the family.
Or not knowing if your condition will progressively get worse, or stay as it is.
There's currently no cure for MS. New treatments are being tried. For example treatments originally used for leukaemia. With all the obvious side effects that that entails.
But research and treatment is making a difference. And, while we wait for a solution to be found, the care from amazing organisations like the Wessex MS Therapy Centre helps sufferers tremendously.
Your sponsorship will make a huge difference to the lives of people that desperately need it.
So, please, sponsor me for doing nothing special. I am lucky to be able to run a marathon. And I'll pour my soul into London this year. Because those people that live with MS, and those that provide care for them, do miracles every day. And that's got to be worth something.
