Emma’s Big Purple Dog Walk story

“Last year I did the Big Purple Dog Walk with my black lab Rocky, four, and golden lab Buddy, three.

“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) four years ago when I was just 18. My right eye is affected with optic neuritis, I have bad fatigue and sometimes muscle spasms.

“I decided to take part because MS-UK is a charity that helped me so much when I was first diagnosed and I wanted to give back.

“I set a goal of three miles a day over the month of March. The challenge meant I was active every day and was getting out in the fresh air and walking when I don’t usually do that. It really helped me take my mind off day-to-day life and getting out of the house is always good! It made that time of my life much easier (even though I was writing my dissertation through that time, too!)”

A few ideas for you and your pooch!

• A mile every day for the whole month
• Complete a full marathon distance in one month
• A lap of the garden every day with your dog
• A new walk or visit a new beauty spot every week
• Put your dog’s agility to the test and teach them some new tricks
• Why not create your own team of walking pups?

Visit ms-uk.org/fundraise-for-ms-uk/big-purple-dog-walk or call 01206 226500