Living with Multiple Sclerosis: My Journey and Overcoming MS Charity, written by Alison Elton, Principal Consultant at GatenbySanderson. This is a personal journey into the realities of living with MS and a look into the charity Overcoming MS.
In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Before then, I had no symptoms and no indication that anything was wrong. It started with a tingling sensation—pins and needles in my toes and fingers—which gradually spread up my body. The sensation didn’t go away, and soon, my limbs felt numb, making it difficult to walk.
My GP referred me for an urgent MRI scan, but with the NHS stretched due to COVID-19, I opted to go private. Within three weeks, I had my diagnosis: MS. It was a complete shock, not just for me but for my family as well. I knew very little about the condition beyond the experience of a friend who had to give up the job she loved and work part-time from home. It was terrifying.
Seeking support, I turned to online forums and communities. These spaces became invaluable, offering advice, shared experiences, and reassurance from people who truly understood what I was going through.
One of the biggest challenges I face living with MS is chronic fatigue. It’s more than just feeling tired—at times, it can feel like I’ve run a marathon while carrying bricks. Yet, I also have periods where I feel almost normal, as if nothing is wrong. This unpredictable nature can be frustrating, but it has also taught me resilience and adaptability. This experience inspired me to take on the role of Chair for the GatenbySanderson Disability Forum, a role I greatly enjoyed. It gave me the opportunity to promote education and support for those living with disabilities, ensuring that workplaces and organisations become more inclusive and understanding.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself working alongside my colleague Liz Dean, Principal Consultant in our Not-for-Profit Practice, on an important campaign: appointing the new Chair of the charity Overcoming MS. Despite my deep involvement in the MS community, I hadn’t come across Overcoming MS before this campaign. However, when I asked around, I quickly realised how well-known it was among others living with MS.
Liz Dean,
Principal Consultant
GatenbySanderson
The book Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis, written by Professor George Jelinek, is an essential resource for many. It outlines an evidence-based, seven-step recovery programme that has been described by some as an oracle, offering guidance and hope. While the book is widely recognised, the charity itself is perhaps less well known in terms of the breadth of work it does.
Overcoming MS is dedicated to empowering people with MS to make informed lifestyle choices based on scientific evidence. They focus on community support, education, advocacy, and helping people take control of their own health. Their work is invaluable in raising awareness and providing practical resources for those affected by MS.
As we work to appoint the next Chair of Overcoming MS, it is clear that this role is a crucial one. The Chair will not only provide strategic leadership but also act as a key ambassador for the charity, championing its mission and engaging with stakeholders to raise its profile. This individual will play a vital role in guiding the organisation through its next phase, ensuring it reaches and supports even more people affected by MS.
If you’re interested in learning more about this role and how you can contribute to this important mission, you can find further details here.
Author:
Alison Elton,
Principal Consultant,
GatenbySanderson