Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  As most of you know, after several years of unexplained and worsening mobility-related symptoms, in early 2012 I was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis.  Since then my condition has slowly but surely continued to decline.

 The resources provided by the MS Society to the 100,000+ people in the UK like me who suffer from MS and our carers and families whose lives are also affected is invaluable.  The Society provides a wealth of support including 

• Unbiased and professional pamphlets on all aspects of MS, its symptoms, treatments and the simple practicalities of living with MS

• A nationwide network of local branches maintained by volunteers for MS sufferers to meet, exchange experiences and take part in relevant activities

• Funding research which would otherwise simply not happen

• Political and media lobbying to ensure MS patients are treated fairly

• Direct support via hotlines to those affected by MS who need advice and help

• Grant aid to MS sufferers who need, but cannot afford, essential equipment

I know from personal experience just how valuable the MS Society is - as a lay member of the Society's Research Network I see first hand the applications for research funding.  In 2018 the Society funded almost £5m of projects into many aspects of MS which would have been unlikely to happen otherwise.  Whilst the pharmaceutical industry funds much drug-related research there are many areas that are of no commercial interest to them and rely on charities such as the Society for funding.

Although there has been much progress in understanding MS and developing effective therapies, both drug and non-drug related, there still remains a huge unmet need for more - particularly for progressive MS which is poorly understood and for which there are still no generally available treatments.

There are many valuable causes competing for donations these days but I hope you will consider supporting me in my parachute jump to raise funds for the MS Society who really do make a difference to the lives of those affected by this unpleasant and life-changing condition.

Thank you.