Hello! I'm Farah. I'm a writer, theatre-maker, facilitator, and sometimes teacher living in London. I love plays, food, yoga, pints, and people who make me snort-laugh (it doesn't take much). 

All the way back In January 2017, I started experiencing some strange physical symptoms that I struggled to get to the bottom of. Multiple misdiagnoses later – including sciatica, vitamin deficiencies, and being told it was all in my head and I should refer myself for a course of counselling – in April 2021 I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease which involves the immune system getting inexplicably confused and mistakenly attacking healthy parts of the body – in this case, the brain and spinal cord. You know, those super important parts that control your entire bodily function.

What followed the diagnosis was a smorgasbord of emotions – relief, validation, confusion, exhaustion, anxiety, and a little tinge of fear. It’s been a rocky road since, and a slow (and ongoing) journey of acceptance. I’m still working on that part, but I’ve also felt so lucky to have the endless support of friends, family and my partner keeping me afloat. Delivering hot water bottles to the sofa when I was curled up after having needles shoved into my spine (no amount of time spent binge-watching House MD will prepare you for the spinal tap experience). Picking up my prescriptions when double vision was making it too scary to go outside and cross busy roads. Driving me to appointments. Asking the questions I’d forgotten. Bringing me tea. Booking me massages. Holding my hand when I couldn't sleep. Listening to rants and laughs and tears down the phone.

This is why I’ve joined #teamstopms. I'm walking 20k to fundraise for the MS Society’s vital, life-changing research that could mean people no longer have to worry about their MS getting worse. I don't want to have to worry about my MS getting worse. I'll be walking the 20k with those loved ones who've provided all of that amazing support I've mentioned. Every penny counts, so if you have anything at all you can donate to the cause, it'll mean so much - to me and to countless others.