Some of you already know and others I have never told, but a years ago today I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

At the beginning I was a normal, healthy young girl finishing university and ready to make the move into the world, when strange symptoms started throughout my body. These symptoms made me lose the feeling in both legs, tingle rushes when I walk throughout my body, numbness in my back, a numb hand, losing the ability to grip or write and exhaustion when completing everyday tasks. After visiting several doctors my symptoms were ignored and I was told to 'learn to live with it'. When a certain GP took me under his wing and I began being investigated at the hospital. After numerous probing and tests it was confirmed by my neurologist that I was and will  be fighting MS for the rest of my life. With several exciting family events coming up, my thoughts were 'the show must go on'. I have never publicly spoken about my illness and chose to stay strong for those close family & friends who were also affected by this news. Privately though I can honestly say from the moment I was diagnosed I boarded an emotional roller coaster, one day I will be worrying about the future, another day not caring 'what will be will be', other days giving in to the illness. My only advise to other suffers is 'you may have MS, but MS does not have you (unless you let it).'

MS IN A NUTSHELL: Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system (Brain & Spinal Cord). Instead of my body fighting off foreign objects (viruses, infections), my bodies immune system gets confused and begins to attack my own cells, causing a variety of life changing symptoms. MS in the UK affects more than 100,000 people and usually starts in young adults between 20 - 30 years old, with the majority female. There is no cure or prevention for MS only the ability to manage the condition through treatments, this is where the MS Therapy Centre, Bristol come in. 

MS Therapy Centre, Bristol is the only centre of its kind in this area, providing a range of treatment & support for people living with MS. These include: Physiotherapy, Oxygen Treatment, Counselling for those with MS and loved ones, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Aromatherapy and many more. These treatments help reduce the physiological, emotional and physical affects of life caused by the illness.    

So here comes the harder part for you all, parting with your cash, for a worthy cause that not only helps thousands of people living with MS but also myself. I would like to achieve £500 and with 791 Facebook friends if everyone gave £1 to my cause then I have smashed it already, however with your help by sharing my page I could reach so many more people and raise lots for the MS Therapy Centre.  

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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