18^th October 2017 I was diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis. MS is a chronic disease which affects everyone differently, we are
all unique. Due to it affecting the central nervous system it can affect pretty
much anything in the body from balance to vision to the ability to walk.

Since my diagnosis I’ve suffered with depression and a lot
of things have seemed doom and gloom since. Receiving a phone call from MS-UK
and being offered a London Marathon spot on their team next year was one of the
best feelings since my diagnosis, for this I cannot thank them enough and am
truly honoured to be running for them. So who are MS-UK?

MS-UK are a national charity which aims to support anyone
who is affected by MS. They are a self-funded charity so do not receive
government funding. This allows them to make their own decisions which best
benefit their users. The London Marathon is one of their main sources of income
raising up to 2/3rds of their overall funding for the year.

They offer various services to individuals, MS helpline,
bi-monthly magazine, and MS counselling. I am currently going through
counselling and just having someone unbiased to talk to surrounding issues such
as MS is a fantastic opportunity and something we’re lucky to have.

As everyone knows sport and fitness is a massive part of my
life and has been ever since I remember. MS UK provides a wellness centre at
Joseph Court in my hometown Colchester. This service provides specialist
equipment to help create strength and muscle tone, whilst also improving
individuals physical fitness levels. Mobility is not required for these pieces
of equipment allowing all individuals to use them. This could potentially be
something I use in the future.

Donations of any value will really help for MS-UK to
continue these services and help people like me. If you would like to hear more
about my MS and mental health then check out my blog here:

www.mscontroltomajortom.com

Thanks for taking the time out of your day for reading my
page.