In February 2018, my wonderful dad was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS causes lesions on the brain and spine which result in nerve damage, leading to loss of physical and sometimes mental function. Every person battling MS has their own unique combination of symptoms, depending on where their lesions occur. It is a hugely life altering disease.

There is no cure or treatment for dad’s MS, which is where Leicestershire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre comes in.

Dad visits the centre multiple times a week, where he has regular physio, oxygen & hydrotherapy sessions. It’s an incredible community of volunteers and fellow MS sufferers that offers both physical & emotional support, which due to lack of funding, the NHS are unable to provide.

The centre offers multiple services:

-          Oxygen Therapy - assists in increasing the uptake of oxygen in the bloodstream, which in turn helps the body to heal and function more efficiently.

-          Physiotherapy – the centre employs physiotherapists to offer a wide range of personal and group support to help with mobility and exercise support.

-          Complementary Therapies - such a Reflexology, Reiki, Aromatherapy and Massage

-          Counselling – dealing with an incurable, often progressive, condition brings all sorts of mental challenges for both patients and carers.

-          Social opportunities - many people become isolated as a result of their condition. The centre offers a space to sit and chat, social events and activities. The social aspects are essential for many centre users to maintain their quality of life.

The centre is only able to operate and provide these services due to donations and fundraising events. Money raised over the last three years has enabled the centre to purchase new physiotherapy equipment, expand opening hours and trial hydrotherapy. The centre is committed to making its services accessible to all, and all services are offered at lowest costs possible.

LMSTC has helped my dad in so many incredible ways over the last 6 years and it has been invaluable in helping dad keep as fit and healthy as possible. It is a huge part of his life and he now volunteers multiple times a week!

Therefore, George and I, just like every other twenty-something will be running a marathon in November. We will be taking in the (hopefully) scenic views from Nice to Cannes. We are well aware every man and their dog is running for charity at the moment, but your support would be hugely appreciated.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for taking the time to read our “why”. Your support in helping us to raise funds for this amazing charity and allow us an opportunity to return the support they continue to offer my dad, will be hugely appreciated.

We can’t wait to see how much we’ve raised at the end of our 26.2 miles!

Lots of love,

Kate and George