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Cycling from North Wales to Southern France

28 April 2016
Justin on his bike

Having loved cycling since childhood, Justin Kendell was devastated when he found himself unable to ride due to symptoms of MS.

Now he is back on his bike and planning a ride of over 1,300 miles to raise funds for the MS Trust. He is also looking for people to meet up with him and his fellow cyclists along the way to join their incredible journey to the Pyrenees.

Hi, my name is Justin, I'm 45 years old and I live with secondary progressive MS.

This summer, starting on 2 July, I am going to ride my bike from the PYG, the famous Pen-y-Gwryd hotel at the foot of Snowden, to the Port de Pailhers which is a 2,000 metre high mountain pass in the French Pyrenees. It’s a trip of about 2,200km. Joining me will be my good friend Martin Hill and my 18 year old daughter, Sioned. We are going to do it in 22 stages over 5 weeks.

Who I was

I love bikes, always have. I can remember learning to ride. I must have been about four and my parents had just bought me an old kids’ bike with no stabilisers from 'the sales'. It was a heavy lump of a thing that took my dad a few hours to get functional, unearthing it from under layers of rust. It was a deep burgundy colour. I can remember watching over his shoulder, nagging him, 'Is it ready? Can I ride it now?' That first sunny afternoon on the front lawn I can only really remember my face hitting the grass, the smell of the earth, the intensity of the green. Then later, sitting in the living room, I remember feeling deeply upset that I had failed to ride it. The next morning I got back on and rode it on my first try. I've been riding and falling off ever since!

As a kid I had two bikes: a green racer from Halfords that I was ridiculously proud of and a cheap, nasty BMX that was brill. I used to hammer the BMX around the garden, down steps, and over dodgy self-built jumps or up into the miles of forestry roads that cover the hills around Betws-y-Coed where I grew up. Then I’d charge back down as fast as I could make it go. The racer gave me my freedom: miles and more miles around North Wales, or just the couple of miles to the village where my mates lived.

Discovering mountain bikes

Then a mountain bike hire shop opened in Betws, my mum hired me one for an afternoon and I was hooked. I soon became the owner of the best bike in the world, it was an ex-hire Marin Palisades for those in the know. I rode that bike for about five years before I sold it for what we'd paid for it and I've regretted selling it ever since.

I just love mountain bikes. In North Wales the scope is endless and rather than cycling on the road with traffic buzzing around your ears, you can lose yourself to the hills, mountains and valleys, following the tracks and paths in the company of trees, birds, butterflies and rain. The best bit about mountain biking is that wet, muddy, slippy conditions are just the most fun and also when you learn the most. Which is a good thing considering how famous Wales is for its rain!


Mountain bikers

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Life in France

After my lovely daughters Sioned and Tesni were born, the amazing Rhian (my wife), the girls, the dogs and I moved to France, bought a wreck of a house and my cycling evolved. I still did lots of normal mountain biking, but I got properly into downhill, playing at ski resorts in the summer. I’d use the lifts to get up and ride a big, long travel suspension bike down as hard as I dared. Brilliant.

In August 2011, the inevitable happened. I was riding in the Alps with my long time, slightly crazy mate Leo, chasing him down a track. There was a little wooden jump over an electric fence, one of the smaller jumps we'd hit over a wonderful fortnight of madness. I was following Leo and as we turned right on to the wooden take-off ramp, a small pebble dislodged by Leo's tyre followed him on to the ramp. I hit the pebble, came off the jump and I ended up sitting (quite comfortably) on a grassy bank with a broken leg. The broken leg turned out to be a tibial plateau fracture (a break in the lower part of the knee) and I was operated on the next day. After many months of physio and hard work I was walking and riding again.

MS diagnosis

At the beginning of 2013 I lost the ability to see. My eyes were fine, but I just couldn't control them. They wandered around at random and I started the journey to diagnosis, followed by the much harder (and ongoing) journey to getting my head around having MS.

In retrospect I've lived with MS for years. I was 18 the first time I remember suffering a symptom that I would now say was clearly my MS. I was running the Chester Half Marathon and my urinary system was being rather uncooperative. I have a long list of symptoms that I have suffered over the years that now make sense, but at the time I always brushed them off because they were so varied, and anyway, what is normal? Fatigued? Well just train harder. Clumsy? Well just concentrate on what you're doing. Find it hard to understand what you're seeing? Focus harder. Depressed? Pull yourself together!

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Getting my life back

By the summer of 2014 I had given up riding, I just couldn't see when getting shaken around. I felt that I had lost a big part of myself along with it. Sioned gave me a kick, a big one, “Come on Dad, let's go for a ride!” I was full of doubt but she pushed, “Dad! Just to Buzzard Rock, you know you can do it. Come on, do it for me!” I relented and I got my life back. It was wonderful! I could ride where I couldn't walk. The trees, the birds and the butterflies were still there, and my balance. Oh to be able to move and not feel sick or as though I was about to fall over; to be able to do something and exercise again. Wow!

I'm still limited, there is a level of vibration above which I can no longer make sense of my surroundings, so downhill is out of the question. I can still get down most stuff, just not fast. I also struggle to time moves so jumps are tricky to say the least, but it feels oh so good to be in balance and to be, from time to time, reasonably normal.

I have rediscovered the joy of the road and just love the level of workout that I can get. I can push to a point where I am pretty much completely paralysed from the waist down by the time I get off the bike, which can be quite startling for bystanders! The road also gives me new opportunities for understanding myself and my symptoms, and finding ways to live with them more easily.  

Learning new ways to cope

Just yesterday I learned something new. I was cycling the long way to my weekly physio appointment (about 50km) and halfway up the second major climb I started to struggle with something that has bothered me on and off for years. My legs just stop working, muscles screaming, when I know they should be OK. My heart rate returns to near normal and I have to slow right down and just stop.

Yesterday I realised that I wasn't really out of breath, so I consciously started breathing deep and hard, focussing on the birds singing in the background. I was breathing deep and rhythmically, keeping my legs turning in time with my breathing (especially my right leg which is difficult to feel and control) and it was fine. My legs just kept going and instead of collapsing half way up, I rode the hill with (for me) power and poise. It was so exhilarating!

I've been looking for something to get my teeth into for a while; something extraordinary to challenge myself with. Something tough, but that I believe that I can achieve. Something that I can feel pride in myself for accomplishing. When Martin suggested a ride from London to Southern France I didn't hesitate in agreeing and the route quickly grew to include a few more hills!

Who I am now

There was no way Sioned was going to let us leave her behind, so the core team of three was set. I love having a reason to get up in the morning, a reason to keep training when my illness wants me to stop, a raison d'etre. To all of us it seemed a great chance to help the MS Trust in its wonderful work, and local groups here in France, but to me the coolest thing is to try to inspire people.

Please come and join us on the ride for a week, a day or just a couple of km. You can contact us via our Facebook page or contact Rebekah at the MS Trust on fundraising@mstrust.org.uk.

Visit Justin's online fundraising page where you can sponsor the team

Route map

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Archive

2018

April

MS in the Media - 20 April 2018
MS in the Media - 13 April 2018
Work and MS: Five top tips
MSTV: How we're helping young people understand MS
MS in the Media - 6 April 2018
Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills "The more we talk about MS, the more others understand"

March

MS in the Media - 29 March 2018
The Kellys run 1000 miles
Why I ran The Big Half
MS in the Media - 23 March 2018
Life with my Assistance Dog Bonnie - Yvonne's story
Life in a wheelchair – Elaine's story
MS in the Media - 16 March 2018
MS in the media - 9 March 2018
MS in the media - 2 March 2018

February

MS in the media - 23 February 2018
How will Advanced MS Champions make a difference to people with MS?
"MS and a very positive thing" - Jerry's story
MS in the media - 9 February 2018
Help us make sure no young person has to take on MS alone
MS in the media - 2 February 2018
Anna and friends climb Snowdon

January

MS in the media - 26 January 2018
Staying active: resistance training and MS
Mindfulness and MS
Ask an expert: Sex and MS
15 minutes with MS Trust fundraiser Debbie Worthington
Your Views: Stem cells on TV, cooking with MS, MS and your feelings
“I don’t want anyone to go through the same thing I did”
MS in the media - 19 January 2018
MS in the media - 12 January 2018
New MS Trust CEO in training for cycle challenge
MS in the media - 5 January 2018
2017

December

MS in the media - 29 December 2017
Stylish and practical adaptive clothing
How wheelchair basketball has helped with my MS
MS in the media - 22 December 2017
MS in the media - 15 December 2017
New MS drugs on the horizon
"I might have MS but MS doesn't have me"
MS in the media - 8 December 2017
Kadeena Cox: "MS doesn't put a full stop after your name"
MS in the media - 1 December 2017

November

MS in the media - 24 November 2017
MS in the media - 17 November 2017
MS in the media - 10 November 2017
School friends reunited to raise funds for MS
MS in the media - ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS 2017
Your Views: Walking sticks
"The Advanced MS Champions will be able to connect everything up"
Forward thinking fashion
MS in the media - 3 November 2017
“MS is part of me but it’s not my life. My life is much bigger and more fun than that”

October

Boost your memory!
Ask an expert: MS and diet
Why do you keep needing to get up to go to the loo during the night?
Taking on the Bournemouth Half Marathon
MS in the media - 20 October 2017
“I can do anything, bring it on”
Jason walked for MileS
MS in the media - 13 October 2017
15 minutes with MS nurse Verity Duff
Can baking keep your brain fit?
MS in the media - 6 October 2017
Canoeing across Scotland

September

MS in the media - 29 September 2017
Visiting the Rwandan mountain gorillas in my wheelchair!
MS in the media - 22 September 2017
"I am not defined by having multiple sclerosis"
MS in the media - 15 September 2017
My MS story: "My rescue dog Kia makes every day with MS a little better"
Can’t change what happens, just have to deal with it - Wayne's Story
MS in the media - 8 September 2017
Five top tips for living well with MS
MS in the media - 1 September 2017

August

Proud to run for my mum
MS in the media - 25 August 2017
Cycling the South Downs Way
MS in the media - 18 August 2017
MS in the media - 11 August 2017
15 minutes with MS Trust supporter Andy Merry
MS in the media - 4 August 2017

July

'Coming out' about my MS
MS in the media - 28 July 2017
Top tips for accessibility and adaptability
10 ways to help your partner if they have MS
Ask an expert: Mental health and MS
How Pilates could help people with MS
Your views: Soap characters diagnosed with MS
Enabled by design
MS in the media - 21 July 2017
My MS diagnosis story
MS in the media - 14 July 2017
Looking back on my London to Paris experience
My MS diagnosis story: "I was overwhelmed with the mix of emotions I was going through"
Alex's story: raising awareness at school
My MS diagnosis story: "It took me a long time to realise that it was okay not to be okay"
MS in the media - 7 July 2017
Just keep taking it one step at a time

June

MS in the Media - 30 June 2017
Getting fit for 40
MS in the media - 23 June 2017
Touching the clouds: Kat's skydive
Cycle team raises £30,000 at Goodwood
Being a dad with MS
How I learnt to accept the 'different' me
MS in the media - 16 June 2017
MS in the media - 9 June 2017
Focus on constipation
Slow runnings - or how I learned to stop worrying and love running
MS in the media - 2 June 2017

May

MS in the media - 26 May 2017
Top tips for a summer holiday
MS in the media - 19 May 2017
MS in the media - 12 May 2017
John prepares to trek across the Alps for the MS Trust
MS in the media - AAN 2017
MS in the media - 5 May 2017
Why I'm taking part in a Grand Canyon Trek for the MS Trust
"The idea is to create fun, gutsy events where people with disabilities call the shots"
Why I decided to skydive at the age of 72

April

MS in the Media - 28 April 2017
Meet the MS Trust's information team
Invaluable support
Top tips for staying active when you have MS
Driving with MS: What you need to know
MS in the media - 21 April 2017
MS in the media - 13 April 2017
Gardening and MS: 'Gardening helps me to unwind'
Declutter and donate: Charlotte's story

March

MS in the media - 31 March 2017
MS in the media - 24 March 2017
Talking functional electrical stimulation (FES) with Christine Singleton and Sarah Joiner
Juggling MS and family life: Five top tips
Walking in memory of my mum
MS in the media - 17 March 2017
MS in the media - 10 March 2017
MS in the media - 3 March 2017

February

How do you keep your brain fit when you have MS?
MS in the media - 24 February 2017
Focus on childhood MS
Childhood MS: Eden's story
Childhood MS: Mohammed's story
'It used to be diagnose and adios, but now there is so much we can do'
Celebrating 25 years of MS specialist nursing
MS in the media - 17 February 2017
We need a bee like Jean!
"Live life to the fullest and accept any challenge that makes you look twice"
How one London company is making a difference for people living with MS
How could new technology change MS rehab therapy?
Stem cell therapy: Balancing hope and hype
MS in the media - 10 February 2017
The diarist who made a literary classic from his life with MS
MS in the media - 3 February 2017
Childhood MS – could you help us?

January

MS in the media - 27 January 2017
Tesco stores in South West to collect funds for MS
Could you help us help the newly diagnosed?
MS in the media - 20 January 2017
MS in the media - 13 January 2017
On the box: Hollyoaks set to tackle MS storyline
An Author’s Life: Living with MS
MS in the media - 6 January 2017
2016

December

Skydiving in South Africa
MS in the media - 23 December 2016
Grange Park Beavers become reindeer for a day
MS in the media - 16 December 2016
My experience of attending the MS Trust Annual Conference 2016
MS in the media - 9 December 2016
Total freedom: Sue's skydiving story
Getting to know my MS
MS in the media - 2 December 2016
Introducing the new MS Trust news round-up

November

A new beginning? A personal perspective on having to switch treatment
Making a list, checking it twice - how to stay calm and Christmasing on, when you have MS
MS in the media - 18 November 2016
ECTRIMS 2016: positive drug results and growing focus on progressive MS
Gobbley goop - how to keep the brain active
MS in the media - 11 November 2016
Magnetic fields
You'll never stop me travelling!
Taking the stress out of finding accessible accommodation
15 minutes with MS Trust supporter Pia Reynolds
On top of the world: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Join in with Festive Wear Day for MS
The Penman family kick MS
MS in the media - 4 November 2016

October

MS in the media - 28 October 2016
Terror Tour for Halloween
MS in the media - 21 October 2016
Remembering my mum
Bella & Charlie's Reindeer Rally
MS in the media - 14 October 2016
How do you solve a problem like a relapse?
Christmas comes early with Cards for Good Causes
MS in the media - 7 October 2016

September

MS in the media - 30 September 2016
Cooking for MS
MS in the media - ECTRIMS 2016
MS in the media - 23 September 2016
MS in the media - 9 September 2016
MS in the media - 2 September 2016

August

MS in the media - 26 August 2016
MS in the media - 19 August 2016
Making jewellery to fight MS
MS in the media - 12 August 2016
Invisible symptoms: the unseen side of MS
How can we design services that work better for people with advanced MS?
Grit and determination
Getting the endorphins going
Light in the darkness
Eurostars! London to Paris cycle for MS Trust
15 minutes with MS Trust supporter Tim Sorrell
MS in the media - 5 August 2016
Why I abseiled 400ft for the MS Trust
Childhood MS: Stephanie’s story
Childhood MS: Amelia’s story

July

MS in the media - 29 July 2016
Swallowing hard: dysphagia and MS
MS in the media - 22 July 2016
Thanks for the memory: forgetting things and MS
MS in the media - 15 July 2016
Pushing my boundaries: skydiving for the MS Trust
Chilled out: cold sensitivity and MS
Butlins for people with MS?
MS in the media - 8 July 2016
My skydive was just the beginning
Tap dancing to raise awareness of MS

June

Hot and bothered: how heat makes MS symptoms worse
MS in the media - 24 June 2016
Family prepares to cycle to Paris for MS Trust
MS in the media - 17 June 2016
MS stem cell therapy in the NHS: time for a roadmap
A whole new world for me
MS in the media - 10 June 2016
Representing people with MS in the UK
MS in the media - CMSC 2016
MS in the media - 3 June 2016
Overall health matters in MS

May

MS in the media - 27 May 2016
Rock and Lodestone: my poetry book
Why Jenny lost pounds to raise pounds
MS in the media - 20 May 2016
MS in the media - 13 May 2016
A refreshing way to buy art
The really Great North Run!
Taking control
How can palliative care help?
A small idea that grew
15 minutes with MS Trust volunteer Amy Mackelden
MS in the media - 6 May 2016
How can occupational therapists help people with MS?
Why I'm cycling London to Paris for the MS Trust
How can occupational therapists help people with MS? - Steph's story
How can occupational therapists help people with MS? - Katie's story
Making our voices heard

April

MS in the media - 29 April 2016
Cycling from North Wales to Southern France
How can we make MS care fair for people with progressive MS?
Hayley's winning jewellery design
MS in the media - AAN 2016
MS in the media - 22 April 2016
A buyer's guide to the Secret Art Show
MS in the media - 15 April 2016
MS in the media - 8 April 2016
MS in the media - 1 April 2016

March

MS in the media - 24 March 2016
MS in the media - 18 March 2016
MS in the media - 11 March 2016
What role should charities play in supporting public services?
MS in the media - 4 March 2016
Rising to the challenge: how the MS Trust plans to push neurology services up the agenda

February

Why you should join me in sharing your views on MS services
MS in the media - 26 February 2016
MS in the media
Thanks and congratulations to the Atlantic Lions and The Pride
15 minutes with MS Trust supporters Jackie & David Middleton
MS in the media
Facing tough challenges: Julian's story
A different perspective
Dr Jonathan O’Riordan, consultant neurologist and Director of the Tayside and North Fife regional MS service
Let’s make MS care fair!
Finding innovative ways of helping everyone with MS
MS specialist nurses Christine Whatley and Shona Flucker
MS specialist physiotherapist Carol Greig
How can aqua therapy help people with MS?
Day 51 at sea: for Gary
Day 49 at sea: final week frustrations
MS in the media
Day 47 at sea: however...
Can you help us improve our webpages on managing relapses?
Day 43 at sea: into the flying fifties and the final stretch

January

MS in the media
Could you help design a smartphone app to help people with MS and their carers?
Mind over matter: trekking the Scottish Highlands
Day 37 at sea: less than 1000 miles to go
MS in the media
Could stem cell therapy work for progressive MS?
Day 30 at sea: fish are friends not food...
MS in the media
Drink more for MS!
Day 23 at sea: 'If it was easy it would just be the way'
Day 21 at sea: a day in the life of an ocean rower
MS in the media
Bladder or bowel problems? You're not alone
Day 18 at sea: storms on the way
Day 14 at sea: entering the second week of continuous rowing
2015

December

Day 11 at sea: Happy New Year from the Atlantic Lions
MS in the media
The MS Trust in 2015
Day 9 at sea: power shortage in the middle of the Atlantic
Day 6 at sea: dreaming of a blue Christmas
MS in the media
Day 3 at sea: first blog from the Atlantic Ocean
And they're off!
MS in the media
MS in the media
How I'm helping wheelchair users travel the world
Designs on a marathon
MS in the media
Is stem cell therapy right for my MS?

November

MS in the media
MS in the media
Could you help us make up a big team of MS Trust Santas?
MS in the media
How the MS Trust's conference will help me help people with MS
MS in the media
MS Decisions: Getting the balance right
15 minutes with MS Trust Director of Information and Engagement Linden Muirhead
Vive La France!
Trigeminal neuralgia
How can speech and language therapists help?
MS Decisions: Clear, impartial and easy to use
MS Decisions: Getting involved
Introducing MS Decisions

October

MS in the media
Will the NICE quality standard on multiple sclerosis be fit for purpose?
MS in the media - 23 October 2015
My British 10K Run for Becki
MS in the media - 20 October 2015
MS in the media - 19 October 2015
MS in the media - 15 October 2015
MS in the media - 12 October 2015
Choosing a disease modifying drug: Jo's story
Administering disease modifying drugs
Q&A with MS nurse Nicki Abel: Disease modifying drugs
MS in the media - 9 October 2015
MS in the media - 8 October 2015
MS in the media - 7 October 2015
A new focus on brain health
MS in the media - 5 October 2015
MS in the media - 2 October 2015

September

Getting the early treatment debate into perspective
MS in the media - 30 September 2015
Finding the disease modifying drug that's right for me
Welcome to the new MS Trust website
Choosing my disease modifying drug
MS in the media - 28 September 2015
MS in the media - 25 September 2015
MS in the media - 23 September 2015
MS in the media - 14 September 2015
The Scottish MS Register: Is the number of people newly diagnosed with MS in Scotland lower than previously thought?
MS in the media - 11 September 2015
MS Trust takes part in Remember a Charity Week 2015, encouraging people to leave a charitable gift in their will

August

Latest figures showing variation in access to neurology services come as no surprise
Atlantic Lions Maiden Voyage
Josh's Colour Run for MS
Could you help people with relapsing MS make the treatment choice that’s right for them?
A spring in your step
“Doing nothing carries the biggest risk, in my view”
Why we’re launching a new project to ensure more people can access the best possible MS care
I think the proactive approach is very reassuring
Where there’s a will…
Putting MS specialists at the heart of MS care
Considering the risks
“If you have MS, you can drive change”
A new era in MS care?
Dealing with ataxia and tremor
Race Across the West: my American cycle race for MS

July

Making Sense of MS helped 14-year-old Amy deal with diagnosis: we need your help to reach even more people
MS Awareness Week is 28 April–4 May. How will you get involved?
Thank you to the Free Wheelers!
Life doesn’t stop with MS: Everest by motorbike
Ten years with MS and running 500km
What is the MS hug?
NHS England and continence – at last, the potential for some real improvements…
5 minutes with Bernadette Porter
Calling all MS health professionals: enter or nominate colleagues for the 2015 QuDos in MS awards!
London Marathon race report
Running for my brother
Sponsored swim for MS Awareness Week
The Kathleen Painter IOW Memorial Challenge
An impossible dream: Lorna's skydive
Elmfield's Three Peaks Challenge
Village garden party
Raising sponsorship - a personal approach
Trekking the Great Wall of China
Garden City Bikers cycle from London to Brussels
"I have MS but I can do it!'"
Hayley's Iceland Trek
Kenny's Kilimanjaro Trek
Peru trek 2007 - Ruth Cooper
Cycling the 3 Cities
Our seven year journey - living with MS and supporting MS Trust
Veteran cyclist takes on third London to Paris challenge

June

100 miles in 100 days
Alexander's London to Brighton Bike Ride
Cycling across Australia for the MS Trust
Newcastle to Edinburgh cycle ride
Rainbow Reindeer Rally
SweetTree goes blue for MS Awareness Week
Team Grimace cycle the South Downs Way
Teva takes on the Etape du Dales
Virtual PA Services take on the Gladi8tor
£1,000 raised in Burpham
Kenny Smith's 3 Cities Diary
I have MS therefore I am: on MS, philosophy and finding hope
Dancing in the Rain: poetry and MS
The ultimate adrenaline encounter
Medicinal cannabis, Sativex and treatments for spasticity in MS
A different perspective: my skydive
Why I absolutely love volunteering for the MS Trust!

May

Why diagnosing MS isn’t always quick or straightforward
Why diagnosing MS isn't always quick or straightforward
Prom fashion fundraiser
My Big (out of the) Blue Jump
Be kind to your mind
Improving support for people transitioning to SPMS
“I think it’s a golden time for progressive MS research…”
The new focus on progressive MS
Your best shot?
Thank you for making our work possible
15 minutes with MS Trust Research Manager Tracy Nicholson
Anti-LINGO-1, biotin and phenytoin results reported at AAN 2015
A big MS Awareness thank you from the MS Trust​

April

Thank you for joining our campaign and raising awareness of MS!
MS nurses – the good, the busy and the gaps in services
What difference can MS specialist services make for people affected by MS?
Why it's important for health professionals to fundraise
The inspiration behind my boxing challenge

March

Monster Ski in Chamonix: a truly humbling experience
Recognising, accepting and adapting – how I manage my journey on Strictly
How do you raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, when MS varies so much from person to person?
Jiving and managing MS symptoms – on the People’s Strictly
John Shuttleworth answers the MS Trust’s questions

February

5 reasons why we need MS specialists at the heart of MS care
Stem cells and MS: where are we now?
Why are we campaigning for specialist MS care?
15 minutes with MS campaigner Emma Rogan
Introducing the Heart of MS Care campaign
Food and Fatigue
2014

December

The many and varied experiences of living with MS
Can you help us develop a website for people choosing a disease modifying drug?
MS Trust supports Disability Benefits Consortium on Fitness to Work assessments

November

"It's OK if it's a shock to you" - people share their experiences of diagnosis with MS
Hong Kong Moontrekker
Potential change for the NHS in Wales
Fundraiser Chris prepares to cycle from California to Colorado
The Reindeer Rally Run and more fundraising ideas
The Great North Run: “The most positive experience imaginable”
15 minutes with… TV journalist Stephanie Scawen
“My mummy’s got wheels!”: managing MS while bringing up my four-year-old son
“Engage real hope now…”: Jeffrey Gingold on the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation
Staying smart: research into MS and memory
Why we’re rowing across the Atlantic for the MS Trust
What did we want to see in the NICE guideline?

October

How people living with MS helped shape Making Sense of MS
Making Sense of MS: how we developed our new resource
MS Trust publishes Making Sense of MS, a new resource for people newly diagnosed with MS
“I didn’t receive any information about MS when I was diagnosed. Nothing.” – Leonie’s story
MS Trust survey highlights the impact of lack of information when people are diagnosed with MS

September

Working towards care of the whole person: investing in mental health
Three talking points from day two of the Boston MS conference
Three things I learned from day one of the Boston MS conference

August

Ben’s Five in Five fundraiser
My summer at the MS Trust: learning from people with MS
Having a baby
​Kaz Laljee on going to the football
Tim Sorrell on going to Glastonbury
Two in a million
“Being mindful allows you to focus your attention on the present…”
15 minutes with MS blogger Amelia Southard
Fiona Jarvis on finding stylish and accessible bars and restaurants
Steve Woodward on going to gigs
Do people with MS report all their relapses?
With a little help from our friends

July

Have you got 56 questions about MS? Ask the Information Team

June

Spread the word about MS bowel and bladder resources this World Continence Week!
Reflections on the Great North Run
Life after work: how did you manage the change?

May

Why I support the Secret Art Show: Katy Dynes
World MS Day 2014: what’s your MS wish?
How a physio could help you
MS and pregnancy
Tips for managing MS bladder problems
Practical answers to everyday problems
Rehab in MS: what could it mean for you?
MS rehab services vary depending on where you live
How rehab helped me...
Results from the Department of Health Risk-sharing Scheme
MS and rehab: Who can help?
Magnetic imagery
A magical experience
Ed's London Marathon poem
My zip slide from the Tyne Bridge
The ups and downs of being a teenager with MS
My MS Super Team 2014: the winners!

April

RideLondon-Surrey 100 as a lone rider

February

Risk of developing MS - do oral contraceptives play a role?
Going boldly through the blue
MS Trust fundraiser Anne Thompson
“A positive approach to multiple sclerosis”
How we’ve helped secure the future of services for people with MS in Northumberland
Why we’re working with Parkinson’s and epilepsy charities to safeguard specialist nurses
The power of personal contact
It used to be “diagnose and adios”
Helping kids understand MS
Lovely bones
Why the youngest woman in this year’s London Marathon is running for the MS Trust

January

Is MS hereditary or not?
Disability and health employment strategy: the discussion so far
2013

November

How should we talk about disability and MS?

October

Toilet Taboo - sharing tips for looking after your bowels

September

How do you keep track of your MS?
MS in the family

August

Food for thought
How do you get the right help when you've only just been diagnosed with MS?
How do you explain MS in a nutshell?

July

Steve and Cat's Kilimanjaro tips
Kenny Smith's training tips for Kili

June

Great cycling at the Goodwood Motor Circuit
No chickening out: my skydive for the MS Trust

May

How NOT to talk about MS
A brush with fate: why Brian Palmer is contributing to the MS Trust's Secret Art Show
Bold in blue: raising funds to help the MS Trust safeguard the future of MS nurses

April

Jackie and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen kick off MS awareness week on ITV
My Triathlon experience
“A truly remarkable lady”
Tingling, crawling, burning or prickling in the skin. What IS going on here?

March

Describing fatigue to others

February

Super Nurse nominee to pedal to Paris
Vitamin D update
What a great day! How research open days make a difference to understanding MS

January

Is MS a terminal illness?
Watch your step!
2012

December

Which research should we update you on?

November

Living well with MS: a role for psychology?

August

Neuropathic pain - the 'invisible illness'

July

Gallop: A groundbreaking short film for MS
Tightrope

June

It’s a family affair – for the families of people with MS
Going through changes

May

Epidemiology and the natural history of MS

February

In development, licensed and approved; the confusing world of MS Drugs
Dating with MS
Your food, your diet: should we take a fresh approach?
2011

November

On ‘Coming Out’
Intrathecal baclofen - who for and when?

May

Mindfulness training for people with multiple sclerosis and their carers

April

MS Trust is delighted to be awarded the Information Standard quality mark
2010

May

The bank that gives hope
2009

November

Disability Law Service

August

Living with progressive MS in the family

February

Managing stress in multiple sclerosis
2007

June

From the end of the World to the end of the Wall

May

MS and relationships
2006

November

Janet's diary- Peru trek 2006

May

Hippotherapy - a new movement experience
2005

November

Complementary and alternative medicine and MS
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Multiple Sclerosis Trust

Spirella Building, Bridge Road, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 4ET

Call 01462 476700

info@mstrust.org.uk

charity number: 1088353

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