“I may have MS, but it doesn’t have me”

I wrote this in a diary in 1998 (wow, last century!!), soon after receiving my MS diagnosis. Although I can’t claim to be the author, these words have been my mantra for life ever since.

It’s not been plain sailing as I’ve navigated relapses and the emotional turmoil that comes with the territory. However, after nearly 24 years, I’m lucky in that I’m pretty much okay. I may have hung up my tap and jazz shoes but remain fully active with no plans to slow down!  There have been some amazing advances in the treatments available, for which I am truly grateful. MS can’t be cured yet, but it is possible to slow the progression.

As such, research is more important than ever with the goal of discovering treatments and cures. Most of you will know me as a bit of a geeky scientist so I can’t think of anything better than raising funds in celebration of my 50th birthday!!

The Anne Rowling Centre offers patients a supportive and welcoming space that merges NHS clinical visits with state-of-the-art research. The aim is to  improve the lives of people with neurodegenerative conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neurone disease (MND), Parkinson’s Disease and early-onset dementia.  J.K. Rowling’s mother, Anne, was diagnosed with MS in the early 80s when no treatment existed and passed away age 45.  When J.K. Rowling herself turned 45, she made a donation to the University of Edinburgh. enabling the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic to be founded in 2010.    

So, instead of Prosecco (not that I’m keen anyway!), please donate to my 50th birthday fundraiser and allow these amazing researchers to do what they do best - discovering new therapies and cures to allow patients to live their best life!

One more thing - hug a tree, it’ll make you feel happy!