Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I am endeavouring to fulfil an ambition of completing a 2,700 mile transatlantic crossing by sailboat ⛵️ and raising money in the process. All expedition costs I have personally covered which means anything you donate goes straight to the right place.
In 2006 my wife Jackie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis; a chronic degenerative illness which effects the nervous system over time. Typical symptoms can range from nothing at all/slight occasional numbness in extremities, feeling tired, all the way through to loss of eyesight, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, complete limb paralysis, and multiple cognitive difficulties. Whilst she remains well day to day, she does suffer occasional relapses which have the potential to become more severe.
Over 100,000 people have MS in the UK alone, and whilst the most common form; Relapsing Remitting MS symptoms can be mild and effect 80% of suffers - more than 50% of those will go on to develop Secondary Progressive MS and experience more debilitating symptoms as they get older. 1 in 10 develop Primary Progressive MS where symptoms gradually worsen and accumulate, and there are no periods of remission.
The MS Society are the charity contributing the most into funding research into the condition, and also provide essential practical support for sufferers, carers, and those effected at whatever stage of the illness. Advancements in the last 20 years have been strong; significantly reducing relapses and symptom severity. However there is still no known cause or cure. See how they spend money on research: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/our-research-story/how-your-money-is-spent
Your contributions will make a real difference. Even just donating a quid and leaving a positive comment for me will mean a lot - to know you've taken the time to read this will help both Jax and I on our respective journeys, not to mention the 100,000 other people with MS in the UK.
THANK YOU!
Cass