There are over 100,000 people in the UK with multiple sclerosis (MS), and around 100 people are diagnosed every week & in November 2016 I officially became one of them. MS is a chronic, debilitating condition for which there is no cure. Most people are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s, a time of key life decisions about relationships, family and careers.

Being diagnosed with a long term condition is a frightening and isolating experience that can cause anxiety and depression. Shift.ms aims to reach people with MS (MSers) as soon as possible after diagnosis so they can receive support to adapt to a life with MS. The Shift.ms network has been so important for me and helped me a lot to learn how to deal with the diagnosis, adapt, advice and encouragement: So now it is time to give something back (with your help).

I used to run as a kid - 2k, 5k & 10k races but I haven't run in a race in 15 years - I tried to get back into running a lot over the years but I always failed. So to keep me motivated I decided to raise some funds for Shift.ms by taking part in the Recife 10k at the end of my 3 months research visit here in Brazil. So please give what you can & help me support this great charity.

You can read part of my story here: https://chronicallyacademic.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/you-have-ms.html
Or check out my blog (will have some running posts soon):
https://stephaniezihms.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/why-im-running-10k-to-raise-money-for-shift-ms/