I am joining in with the MS Society's latest campaign to Kiss Goodbye to MS because it would be beyond amazing to live in a world free from MS.  Usually I hold a Cake Break to raise funds, and feed all of my amazing family and friends sugar, but this year (while a Cake Break might yet still happen!) I decided to go in the opposite direction and instead give up SUGAR for the month of May.

Everyone knows I was diagnosed with MS in 2009. My life changed overnight. It's an illness that knows no bounds, and strikes unexpectedly and with so many different symptoms, that sometimes it feels too big for me, or anyone, to cope with.

But I have coped. With a lot of help. And sometimes that 'help' has been a  bar of chocolate!! The reality is that fatigue plays a huge part in how MS affects me. It strikes from nowhere and sometimes eating a sugar fix is all that keeps me moving. But I have to think longer term and refined sugar is doing me no good (especially my waistline) - and this will be a real challenge.

But that's why I'm doing it. To challenge myself. To look at alternative ways to 'treat' myself and see if I can get through the sugar slump! Anyone who knows me well will know how tough this challenge will be for me. So if you would like to encourage me by donating a few ££ then I would SO grateful. 

I work with the MS Society as Chair of their Northern Ireland Council and see first hand the wonderful work they carry out day in, day out. The list is too extensive to write here but if you ever want understand MS better then their website and information booklets are a great place to start.

Their research programme is also beyond amazing. And this is where this campaign money will be invested - back into finding treatments and ultimately a CURE. That's the dream. That's the goal. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page - and reading a bit about why I'm taking part!.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.