‘I once ran two marathons in a week, now I’m taking on MS-UK’s The Tower Walk Ultra’

Louise Jeffery, 56, from Tonbridge, Kent was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in October 2023. Since then, she has turned her attentions to fundraising and this year she has a fantastic MS-UK climb in mind, planning to take on The Tower Walk 2026 – with a twist.

The Tower Walk 2026 will challenge fundraisers to climb Tower 42 – London’s first ever skyscraper – 42 floors above the London skyline.

On October 4, three years after her initial diagnosis, Louise will attempt The Tower Walk Ultra. This more difficult version will involve walking up and down the 42 floors ten times – amounting to a full mile walk.

This year marks the fourth year that MS-UK has hosted the event, and Louise is thrilled to be taking part.

‘I love to take part in challenges, which is one to raise awareness, but it’s also to challenge myself with the MS to see what I can do.

‘Part of the training for them helps me both mentally and gets me stronger physically.

‘When I was first diagnosed, I couldn’t walk. Whilst I can’t say I run now, I can jog on a treadmill at the gym.

‘As long as I’ve got something to grab hold of if I wobble like the Stairmaster. I try to be as normal as possible.’

Louise said her diagnosis was a shock after having no signs her whole life.

‘I went through my entire life with no symptoms, so it was life changing.

‘I had a very stressful job – 70 hours a week – and doctors think it was environmental factors that triggered it all.

‘One day when I was busy at work, I suddenly felt tingly arms, I felt dizzy and I couldn’t walk.’

Louise was taken into hospital and was quickly diagnosed officially. She now suffers from fatigue, and her voice ‘feels a bit dodgy’.

She takes care of herself with healthy eating, exercise and visiting a speech and language therapist at hospital.

Before her diagnosis, Louise ran marathons which is why she’s determined to climb The Tower Walk Ultra.

‘I ran marathons in fancy dress. I ran the London Marathon as a rhino for charity, Save the Rhino.

‘The strongest point of my life was running two marathons in a week. I felt invincible.’

Louise emotionally revealed she’ll never let her condition stand in her way.

‘MS won’t beat me and the only way to make that happen is to keep trying. I’m taking part because it’s a challenge and I’m always going to keep trying.

‘If I can do it, anyone can. Having MS doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road.

‘Everyone has different symptoms – for some making a cup of tea is a massive challenge.

‘We just have to believe in ourselves.’

Louise is in for a treat when she reaches the top of Tower 42 – views at the top stretch as far as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin, The Shard and the Thames and are entirely unobstructed and only accessed via this fundraiser.

The event, which is the only one run by MS-UK, has raised almost £65,000 since 2023 and has had 150 participants – a number they’re looking to surpass this year.

Louise admitted that MS is a ‘snowflake condition.’

‘It affects everyone so differently. I know someone in their 20s with a new diagnosis and sometimes she wonders how she’ll get through it all. But we all take care of one another.

‘None of us asked to be a part of this club but it’s a new extended family.’

Fancy challenging yourself too? It’s easy to join…

Simply visit www.ms-uk.org/fundraise-for-ms-uk/the-ms-uk-charity-tower-walk/

Entries are now open! Sign up today by scanning the QR code, or call Lucy on 01206 226500 or emailingLucy@ms-uk.org