On the 8th July 2019, my dear Aunt lost her battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a battle she had fought hard for decades. She was an inspiration to those who knew her and she deservedly had her devoted husband by her side throughout to the very end. To be there with her in her final moments was a privilege for me but it has also hit me hard seeing the impact that MS can have, as I too have MS. I was diagnosed in 2012 at the age of 25 and have questioned my future ever since. Life has been tough but I count myself lucky that there are now some fairly effective treatments out there that can sometimes slow down the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, my Aunt didn't have such opportunity when she was diagnosed many years ago as drugs to treat MS in any way just didn't exist. We have come a long way with new treatments over recent years but there is still no cure and despite there being some good treatments out there, they aren't wonder drugs. They come with side effects which can be dangerous and cause suffering in themselves, and mostly the drugs don't halt the course of the disease indefinitely. Funding is vital to not only seek a cure but in the meantime, find more effective and safer treatment options for sufferers. Current drug treatments are also very expensive, meaning funding is ever more crucial to ensure treatments are accessible to all who need them. 

Too many people don't know what MS is so I feel it so important to share just a little:

Multiple Sclerosis is a disabling autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, where the body attacks the nerves by mistaking them as foreign and damaging the nerve coating. It can cause a wide range of symptoms relating to balance, mobility, sensory, fatigue, vision, cognition, pain and balance, just to name a few. It most often arises in the 20's or 30's, leaving sufferers with an unknown future at such a young age. Over time, symptoms often progress and can significantly affect quality of life and cause secondary health issues.  

This charity is so close to my heart. For tribute to my dear Aunt who battled so hard for so long and for those like myself, living with the daily struggle, please help by donating. Every donation helps to make more headway with treating and finding a cure for this debilitating disease. Thank you so much. 

Rest in peace Auntie Elizabeth, you will be forever my inspiration to keep fighting the battle ❤️ x x x