The Cause

Multiple Sclerosis is a devastating neurological condition - the most common one in the UK affecting around 85,000 people. There is no cure. For some people, MS is experienced as periods of relapse and remission. For others, it causes progressive deterioration. This latter type is the one which affected my Mum.

In sufferers of MS, the body's immune system attacks the protective myelin sheaths around the nerves. This interferes with the messages from the brain to the body, with devastating consequences. Everything in the body is affected - the motor functions, vision, bowel control and the ability to speak and swallow. It also causes excruciating pain and muscle stiffness. In a final twist, MS affects the brain itself reducing cognitive ability including metal speed, memory, concentration and fatigue.

Although MS itself doesn't shorten life expectancy, it can cause complications, most often with swallowing and kidney functions. Occasionally, these cause serious other illnesses, which may themselves prove fatal. After 8 years of suffering, this is what happened to my Mum - she was only 55.

What can be done?

As MS is a terminal illness, there is no cure. Most forms are degenerative - but this often happens over many years. With proper treatment, advice, care and support - most people with MS can lead fairly normal lives. There are some treatments which help people with certain types of MS (beta interferon for example). Some sufferers make use of cannabis to help with muscle pain. However, the only universal way to help all people with MS is by showing them love and support.

As well as traditional and alternative medicines, advances in medical science give some people hope in discovering new treatments, and eventually even a cure. At present much effort is being focused on Stem Cells which some see as controversial. One of the areas in which the MS Society is active is in the lobbying for, and the funding of, Stem Cell research.

One of the most significant results of MS however is the depression which sufferers can face. Counseling and anti-depressants can play there role, but there is nothing like the love of friends, family and colleagues to alleviate this most hidden of symptoms. For non-sufferers, depression is sometimes hard to understand, but for people with MS, statements like "I'm worthless", "I'll never get any better" and "What's the point of carrying on" seem to float to the surface. The best way to combat these is through care and attention - something any family affected by MS will understand.

My Mum was lucky - we have a strong and close family and we could support her every day. Some people aren't so lucky. This is another reason why any MS charity, and the MS Society in particular has such an important part to play. They can provide support to the sufferers - perhaps by arranging trips, meetings, counseling and social events - but also to the carers in the form of advice, more counseling and even breaks away. Its this love and support which makes life with such a horrible disease infinitely happier.

What can you do?

Although people with MS and their families get fantastic support from the NHS, charities still play a massive role in supporting those affected by the disease. If you want to help, there are many things you can do - starting with donating either money, or simply your time.

Donations or Fundraising

You can donate money directly to the MS Society online here. Or of course, you can donate toward my expedition. You could also leave gifts in your will. If you want to take a more active role, you could raise money through fundraising. You could organise a sponsored walk, run, or do anything else. You could even ask your boss to make the MS Society your company's charity of choice for a year.

Volunteering

As a charity, the MS Society relies on volunteers to run all the services it does. There are over 9000 MS volunteers across the country. You could work on the MS Help line, run trips, help at clinics or even do something as simple as offer to give someone a lift into town. There are opportunities in your town, or at national level. For more information, contact the MS Society here.

Campaigning

What is there to campaign about? Sadly, Quite a lot. People affected by MS occasionally still suffer from poor access to health and social care services. Some feel they are denied the right to fully participate in society and may face discrimination at work. Often, cutbacks mean a reduction in the services offered to MS sufferers by a local authority. All these problems can be softened through campaigning, either directly, or perhaps via your local MP. The MS Society run coordinated campaigns of which you can become a part. If you are someone of influence, your support is even more greatly appreciated.

One of the most important areas in which campaigning can make a difference is in the active support of Stem Cell research. This, some say controversial technology offers hope to sufferers of many serious diseases like Cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimers and spinal cord injuries as well as MS. However there is constant lobbying from some spheres of influence which seek to ban some or all stem cell research, particularly in the US. Currently, the UK is a world leader in stem cell research, but the pace of developments is always threatened by opposition to it. Campaigning FOR this technology in any way possible is always appreciated. Again, the MS Society are able to offer guidance and co-ordination on this matter.

Links

MS Fundraising - The Inca Trail Trek
Website for the expedition to the Andes on which you will hopefully sponsor me.

The MS Society
The UK's largest MS charity. They provide help and support for people with MS and their families. They also fund and promote research into the causes of MS, and help in the search for a cure.

Wikipedia - Multiple Sclerosis
A comprehensive article on MS. A great introduction to the illness, its devastating consequences and the hope offered to sufferers.

Charity Challenge
An organisation which helps people do incredible things to help raise money for every major charity.

The MS Trust
Another UK charity dedicated to supporting the sufferers of MS and the healthcare professionals who treat it.

Montel Williams
US chat show host diagnosed in 1999.