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I came across the MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF) properly in May this year whilst on maternity leave, and the services they provide are great. 

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2012, and over the last few years my mobility has been particularly affected. MSRRF is a charity based in Morpeth, Northumberland which supports people with MS and their carers. For anyone who doesn't know what MS is, its a condition that affects your brain and spinal cord. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the coating that protects your nerves (myelin). The damaged myelin then affects the movement of signals around the nervous system which, in turn, leads to a range of symptoms. For me, the damage is around my spine which is why my legs are affected. You can find out more at https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/what-is-ms. 

I have been accessing one to one fitness sessions provided by MSRRF to try and build up strength and muscle in my legs and improve my mobility. The staff are amazing and so welcoming. They provide all sorts of adapted exercises and therapies to help with the symptoms of MS. Now that I am back at work I am still able to access the services they provide at the weekends. I have always enjoyed being physically active, and now it is more important than ever that I keep moving! You can find out more about the charity here - https://www.ms-researchandrelief.org/.

The charity relies solely on donations so I wanted to raise some money in order to give something back. I wanted a challenge and my dad and I started thinking of potential options towards the end of last year. We thought of a tandem bicycle as I am bit wobbly on my bike! One then magically turned up at recyke y' bike in Byker and we snapped it up! It has been great fun and just great to be able to travel distances without being in the car! It took some getting use to at first but now I think we have got it! The distance is going to be tough but we wanted something that would be hard!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.