Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a mountaineer, and in 2008 when a neurologist first mentioned I may have MS, I decided that one day I would climb my mountain to raise awareness around MS and fundraise to help those living with it. In 2018 I was officially diagnosed and started on a medication to hopefully prevent disease progression, however in early 2021 my MS started progressing despite this.

 

My neurologist advised that if I were to do nothing new, I would likely be in a wheelchair within three to four years. I realised then that I simply had to do all I could to pursue my dream and so at the end of 2021 I left my job as Principal of a small alternative primary school to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

 

In Oct '22 I headed to Nepal to climb Ama Dablam, a spectacular and technical peak of 6812m while fundraising for MS research. I am now returning to Nepal in April this year (2023) to attempt to summit Mt Everest.

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I started a new medication last year, and my MS is currently stable- hooray!! At the moment, I am living well with MS. I do experience fatigue, dizziness and sensory symptoms such as burning sensations on my tongue and toes, and can face some cognitive challenges, however, overall I am fit and healthy and enjoying life!

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My MS is not curable and over time is likely to continue to progress, leading to increasing physical and cognitive challenges, and research into how to try and stop, cure and even prevent this illness is crucial for myself and others to be able to enjoy a rich quality of life. I invite you to help me to find a cure for MS through supporting my journey!