Going the distance for MS research

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous systems, causing many physical and neuropsychological problems for sufferers.

For the month of May Nerys Davies, 35, will be taking on an incredible challenge.

Nerys, from Barry, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) two years ago while she was pregnant with her second child.

Despite this diagnosis Nerys has pledged to run at least one mile a day, every day, during May to raise funds for MS research.

Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but the condition can affect younger and older people too.  The causes of MS are unclear, although it is likely that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role.

She continued, “It was and still is a fair shock and I’ve not a clue on how my MS will unfold in the future. But hey, there’s no point in pondering on that.

“For those who know me well, I would be more likely to be running a bath and I’ve only taken up running in the last month so it’s going to be a bit of a challenge. I'll even be running on my 36th birthday!”

Nerys shares her thoughts after her first run

Nerys shares her thoughts after her first run

Nerys will be raising the funds for the MS research team, based at Cardiff University, whose aim is to better understand MS and support the development of new therapies.

Dr Emma Tallantyre, who runs the research programme, said, "Multiple Sclerosis is a condition that often affects young men and women who, like Nerys, have young families and active careers. In Cardiff we have a strong commitment to Multiple Sclerosis research and much of our academic success stems from working in close partnership with our patients.

"Nerys’ pledge to support MS research in Cardiff by setting herself such an ambitious challenge, despite recent disabling symptoms, deserves huge respect and admiration."

Nerys concluded, “The team's work is paramount to find out more about MS, the damage it can cause and prevention of brain damage and clinical disability. MS is one of those things that we've all heard of but never really knew much about, let alone understood the condition.

“I was hoping to raise awareness as well as funds. It’s going to be tough but nothing compared to the challenge that people suffering from MS face on a daily basis.

“I set out to raise £200 and have already hit £555 on my first day of running! To everyone who has donated to my Justgiving page so far, I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, as you are truly supporting something wonderful."