‘I’m running 5k to raise funds for MS-UK thanks to support from helpline’

Linda Wright, from Peterborough, is a MSer and decided to raise money for MS-UK after receiving tremendous help from one of our lovely helpline staff members, Ryan.

‘For my fundraising challenge I am taking part in a 5k run at Peterborough Running Festival on June 28.  I chose this event as it’s local to me, it’s a lovely venue and the distance is what I used to do regularly at Parkrun.

‘I will be doing my training partly from home, alone, and partly at my local Parkrun where there is support and encouragement.

‘My plan is to build up my jogging distance gradually so that I don’t shock my body, but I am hopeful that I will be able to complete the course at a reasonable speed, trying to get back to my pre-diagnosis fitness level.

‘My RRMS story started almost two years ago with sudden onset double vision that got me sent to A&E. MS was suggested after an MRI, though it took a further eight months, two more MRIs and a lumbar puncture to confirm it. Some double vision still remains and it flared up on exercise for a while. It’s still present enough to prevent me riding my road bike.

‘It’s taken me this long to start trusting my body again and begin to test where my physical limit actually is.

‘My fundraising will be done mainly on Facebook and Strava, and also by word of mouth locally. I was nervous about revealing my diagnosis so publicly on social media but the response so far has been nothing but positive which is lovely. I have also pledged to donate the equivalent amount made by my Vinted sales.

‘For me, MS-UK is a safe place to talk about any worries and frustrations. The lovely people on the helpline make me feel like I have their unlimited, undivided attention, they really listen and can dig me out of the darkest mental holes.

‘Just knowing that they are a phone call or message away has been enough to turn thoughts around. They treat me like a friend and I am very grateful that they exist.’

If you would like to donate to Linda then click on her fundraising page here