MSer marks 20 years of condition with epic fundraising idea

Louise Miller has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for two decades and decided to give something back by walking a marathon distance over the course of month.

So today is my 20th anniversary of being diagnosed with MS and wanted to share my story. It is not a sob story but shows even with some long term conditions anything can be achieved.

It’s the 15 May 2006. I was at hospital and my in laws took me along thinking I would just be discharged from the hospital. I saw this snotty nosed eye consultant as I’d been having some health problems over the last seven months.

She told me I have MS which was a total shock – I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to me next.  I had all sorts of emotions but had my mum in law with me and was told I shouldn’t have children.

I arrived back home and my husband, James left work and met me back at the house. I ran towards him crying. He hugged me and after being married only 10 months I told him he could walk away.

Well 20 yrs later, we’re still happily married and I can’t thank James enough for all the support, through good times and bad.

After being told not to have children, it turns out this wasn’t the case after all, so we thought we’d start trying and a year later our amazing daughter, Jess, was born.

Times have been hard but also times have been fun and enjoyable. I have gained friends through MS but also lost friends. Employers haven’t always been supportive but I have continued to fight and still work to this day in a job that I enjoy.

It can be frustrating – some things that I have wanted to do I can’t so I find other things that I can manage. MS can be a hidden disability having a smile on my face is not always how I feel inside. Luckily, I have people around to show me what I should be thankful for.

Some days are easier than others but I’ve been lucky that I can still work, enjoy hobbies and socialise with friends.

For my 20th anniversary I wanted to raise money for an MS charity to help others and those struggling who are newly diagnosed.

I will never get to run the London Marathon so I decided to walk 26 miles over the month of May for this cause close to our hearts.

I say, raise your glass to those with hidden disabilities who do amazing things.

Louise has raised £630 so far despite her original target being £200. If you would like to help Louise, simply donate here