Tom Mercer

Tom's Big Walk for the Stop MS Appeal (part of the Multiple Sclerosis Society)

Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis Society
£26,698
raised of £20,000 target
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
Walk the length of England - from Berwick to Land’s End
Multiple Sclerosis Society

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1139257
We are the MS Society. We are strong enough to stop MS together.

Story

I’m walking the length of England for MS! 🥾

MS is a condition where the body’s own immune system attacks the myelin sheath around nerves, causing a kind of short-circuit, resulting in a host of possible debilitating symptoms. 130,000 people in the UK have MS, with 130 new diagnoses each week: ~70% have difficulty walking (with many in wheelchairs), 2/3 experience brain/cognitive fog, ~90% have fatigue. Other symptoms include muscle pain, spasticity, pins & needles, and bladder issues ☹️

I was diagnosed with MS 13 years ago. Since then, I’ve had four different types of treatment - a stem cell transplant in Mexico and 3 types of drug via the NHS (which has been fantastic). I’m currently on monthly injections of Kesimpta, a type of chemo that moderates the immune system.

BUT…I am lucky that I have responded well to the treatment and that my MS has followed milder path. Whilst my experience shows the efficacy of the drugs, it is the exception. I was starting to have walking difficulty before Kesimpta, and certainly wouldn’t be doing what I am now without it 😁

The MS Society supports people with MS and the Stop MS Appeal funds research that develops new drugs👩‍🔬 They are focusing on progressive MS now, a more advanced form of MS, and for which there are less effective drugs. They are making big strides and a real difference!! 💪

If you’re able to support MS research I’d be very grateful 🙏

Best wishes, Tom

Ps: if you know someone with MS who would like to chat please do put them in touch 

PPS: if you’d like to follow, I’m keeping a walk diary on instagram @mrtommercer

https://www.mssociety.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/my-ms-fundraising

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About the charity

Multiple Sclerosis Society

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1139257
Over 150,000 of us in the UK have MS. It’s unpredictable and different for everyone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We’re the MS Society. We understand what life’s like with MS. We're here for you through the highs, lows and everything in between. Together, we are strong enough to stop MS.

Donation summary

Total raised
£26,697.97
+ £4,421.60 Gift Aid
Online donations
£21,647.97
Offline donations
£5,050.00

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