Matthew Farnsworth

Support my challenge to leave MS behind!

On 25th May 2018 my life was turned upside down. I initially thought I had put my back out trying to push my car out of the mud, then I thought it might be carpal tunnel. Over the next 18 months I had various niggles and symptoms, but doctors couldn’t pinpoint what was causing them. I was referred to physio and eventually sent for an MRI scan.

Just a month before that I’d been on my stag do, with one of my groomsmen rubbing Voltarol into my lower back and butt cheek — talk about going above and beyond! I knew something wasn’t right, but I never imagined it would be MS.

I was told the day after my birthday and less than a month before my wedding. It definitely wasn’t the gift I was expecting. My first reaction was worrying about how it would affect the people around me, but the truth is I have struggled.

It has affected my confidence. I used to be a lot more confident — borderline cocky — but this has sent me the other way. My balance isn’t great; desks seem to have got bigger and door frames smaller. I often walk around like I’m drunk when I haven’t even had a drink. My strength isn’t what it used to be and I often wake up aching. My speech can sometimes be slurred too, and when that happens I know I need to stop and rest for a while.

Fast forward nearly eight years and I still have so much to be grateful for. Above everything is the unwavering love and support from my friends and family. I’m also incredibly fortunate to have a job that supports me and that I’m truly passionate about. MS affects my life, but it doesn’t define everything about it.

I’ve been following the MS Society for a while and they do incredible work supporting people living with conditions like mine. Now I need your help.

I’m taking part in The May 50K. Throughout May I’ll be completing 150km, pushing my limits, leaving the sofa behind and getting out walking to raise funds for life-changing research into multiple sclerosis and better access to treatments.

There are over 150,000 people in the UK living with MS, and together we can help leave MS where it belongs — behind us.

The May 50K supports the MS Society UK and the MS International Federation, helping fund research and support people living with MS across the UK and around the world.

If you can, please consider making a donation to support my challenge.

Thank you so much for your support