On 15 April 2023 I will be running the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon which covers a distance of 56 kilometers around the spectacular Cape Peninsula and I cannot wait to take on this huge challenge.

In October 2020, I experienced my first big relapse and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after an MRI and a lumbar punch. My neurologist informed me that I had about 10 lesions on my brain. One ‘new one’ which caused my big relapse and several ‘old’ lesions. It was very scary to receive the diagnoses especially after I started doing some research into the disease. I have always enjoyed running and being active and I had a huge fear that I will not be able to run again.

I started running short distances which was not pleasant at all! Electric shocks (Lhermitte’s) going down my spine with each foot strike and also having to get used to my MS symptoms worsening as my body temperature increased with exercise was difficult. I was also paranoid about how I was going to feel after each run. Will I be okay after this run or will I be stuck in bed for a few days again?

I was able to run two half marathons last year (21 km was the furthest I have ever run pre-diagnosis) and I tackled my first ever full marathon last year exactly 2 years after my diagnosis. I was on a runners-high for weeks after the marathon!

I firmly believe had it not been for my MS diagnosis I would never have attempted a marathon. I had to prove to myself that I can set a crazy goal and achieve it.

Why am I now taking on this challenge of running an Ultra Marathon? The answer is simple, because I can! I am very much aware that being able to run and to be active is a huge gift and one that can possibly be taken away from me.
Therefore, while I can run, I will run!

I wish to use this gift that I have to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) in order for them to help people who can’t do the things I can by providing them with wheelchairs and mobility devices.

Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) is a patient driven organization supporting and facilitating services to all persons with MS, their families and carers. MSSA speaks out, lobbies and advocates on behalf of the patient, with access to treatment and support being the biggest challenge. MSSA does not receive money from anywhere. There is literally a handful of people doing hard work to raise funds and create awareness and I am incredibly proud and grateful to have an opportunity to help.

https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za/

Multiple Sclerosis in a nutshell

Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system.