“There was a real sense of everyone being one team”

Gareth Hadland is one of our fabulous volunteers who loved it so much he’s still helping us 10 years later!

I first got involved volunteering for MS-UK at the London Marathon through a family member who worked for the charity, and over 10 years later, supporting the post race reception is still the highlight of my year!

Initially agreeing to volunteer was quite daunting – I didn’t know much about MS-UK or even multiple sclerosis (MS) and I was worried I wouldn’t be much help, but the warm reception I received from the moment I arrived at the venue immediately put me at ease, and I quickly learnt that no question was a silly one!

All the staff and other volunteers were so friendly and there was a real sense of everyone being one team, with a shared goal of supporting the amazing people running the marathon to raise money for MS-UK.

Throughout my time volunteering for MS-UK, I have met so many brilliant people. Not only the runners and dedicated charity staff, but also the many family members and friends with MS who inspire the runners to complete such a gruelling challenge and raise funds for such a vital cause. These dedicated people inspire me to keep coming back each year to support the great work of MS-UK.

Volunteering has provided me with great experience I can take into my day job, and also given me the opportunity to use my skills to give back to the community.  Over the last years, I have learnt so much about MS and its impact on people’s lives, and how the money raised for MS-UK can really make a difference. It’s so important that MS-UK has a big team of volunteers behind them, as this enables them to keep providing a hero’s welcome to the many people who fundraise for them year after year.

My advice for anyone who’s on the fence about volunteering is, DO IT!! I guarantee you will find it such a rewarding experience!