viv's story

Viv’s Story - Fundraiser for MS Research

In 2011 I working as a full-time chef and loving life, I wanted to be a chef until I was 80. I had two really bad falls and went to my doctor and he said ‘it’s not me you need to see, but I will see what I can do’. I was sent to a specialist where I was asked to perform a series of tests, which I was unable to do. Around this time the MS word kept coming up, not directly to me but it was mentioned several times. From here I was sent for MRI scan and was given a large dose of steroids which made me feel as if I could climb Everest with no oxygen, life back to normal I thought.

After having a lumbar puncture the specialist said to me ‘I’m very sorry, you have Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, I knew the implications as my uncle had the condition. I had to have my right knee replaced soon after and needed six months off work. I could no longer work around hot pots and sharp knives so I had to get out of the kitchen. Sunrise of Fleet, where I had been a chef, were kind enough to offer me a position as an activities assistant on a part time basis and they are still stuck with me! I love what I do and I’m very grateful for the inspiration I have around me in family and friends.

I have MS but this doesn’t mean I am useless and it won’t define me. I may never beat MS but I will give it a run for its money. In November of last year my diagnosis changed to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, I’ve accepted my condition but I still fight it. I feel lucky to have been diagnosed later in life, as I know some people are diagnosed much earlier. When my uncle left hospital after his MS diagnosis he was given cod liver oil tablets as there was so little treatment available to him. Research has come such a long way since then. I’m thankful for the things I have in life, not the things I don’t.

Viv has recently supported MS Research by shaving her head, if you would like to support Viv please visit her JustGiving Page here.