Sophia's MS Treatment

Sophia is a 32 year old mother to 3 children. 6 years ago Sophia was diagnosed with a life changing disease known as Multiple Sclerosis.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a crippling disease which affects the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of difficult symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation/feeling and balance. In severe cases people suffering will suffer from chronic excruciating pain.
It's a lifelong condition that causes serious disability. In some cases, it’s possible to treat symptoms. Average life expectancy is reduced for people with MS.
It's estimated that there are more than 100,000 people diagnosed with MS in the UK.

Unfortunately Sophia's MS has progressively deteriorated and she became completely dependant on the care of her mother and father to her children Stephen Sullivan. She is unable to walk or to live any kind of normal life. She has no balance or co ordination and lives with severe and constant pain, which in turn has robbed her of the chance to be a mother to her kids. Tragically her mother passed away last year which reduced her support system and placed great pressure on Stephen. Stephen is now solely caring for Sophia whilst also caring for their 3 children.

Sophia has undergone various treatments over the years in an attempt to find a method to improve her condition. Sadly all attempts thus far have failed.

There is a revolutionary Stem Cell Treatment available called HSCT. It has had massive amounts of success on the few people who have been lucky enough to receive it. In most cases it has significantly enhanced health to the point where it has allowed patients to lead normal lives. The treatment is predominantly available on a privately funded basis, although it has been offered to very few people on NHS, at The Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, to those who are considered to suffer from the most severe symptoms of MS. After many agonising years fighting the disease Sophia was accepted by the Sheffield hospital to receive the life changing Stem Cell treatment. She and her family were overwhelmed with the positive news and had finally been given hope that her nightmare could soon end. However, due to funding issues with the NHS they later withdrew their offer, meaning Sophia has to seek the treatment privately.

A private hospital in Mexico has been identified for the treatment, who are pioneers in the treatment.

Caroline Wyatt, a BBC News correspondent, who is also living with MS endured the same disappointment with Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, and was also rejected for the HSCT. She travelled to Mexico and underwent successful HSCT treatment and the results have been life changing for her. She feels she is winning her battle against MS. This adds further motivation to our cause.

We are trying to raise £75,000 for Sophia to undertake HSCT and she has a place booked for September, subject to the funds being available. The money we are raising is required for the treatment and the aftercare required to undertake the same.

With the support of our community we are hopeful that we can reach this goal and give Sophia a second chance at life.

Thank you for your anticipated support."