2021 London Marathon for the MS Society
In 2021 I am lucky enough to have been accepted to run the London Marathon on behalf of the MS Society.
Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) myself, at the age of 12, I believe the disease carries an age stereotype. A lot of society still considers MS to be mainly apparent in the 30’s/40’s age groups. Although they are not completely wrong in these assumptions, due to fantastic advances in the field, MS is now being diagnosed younger and younger.
That being said, I remember how isolated I felt when I was first diagnosed, due to the fact I didn’t have anyone at a similar age to turn to for advice. The support websites and forums were geared towards an older demographic, discussing problem-solving for parents and long-term relationships, whereas issues facing a younger age group was not discussed. My main motivation for running this year is to promote the support channels available to young adults/children who are in similar positions.
I also want to show the public that MS is not the life-destroying diagnosis that it once was. I have been on a number of Disease Modifying Therapies in my life, including Rebif (Beta interferons) and Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) and I continue to be, touch wood, perfectly healthy. One of the simplest pleasures for me is hearing somebody I meet say they could never tell I have MS. I want to show the public that MS is a disease that can be managed, alongside a normal life, and running the 2021 London Marathon would further that message.
Raising money for the vital further research will also be a huge incentive but ensuring that no individual feels as isolated as I did in the early stages of diagnosis is my key motivator.
Any support towards my cause will be hugely appreciated. If anything I hope you all can get a laugh from watching me try to train for/run a marathon! Hope you all are staying safe
John x
Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
More information about Multiple Sclerosis Society: More than 100,000 people in the UK have MS. The MS Society is here for every one of them, through the highs, lows and everything in between. There is no cure, but we offer hope for the future by investing millions in research, and help for today through our information, support and campaigning. Together we are strong enough to stop MS.
Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) myself, at the age of 12, I believe the disease carries an age stereotype. A lot of society still considers MS to be mainly apparent in the 30’s/40’s age groups. Although they are not completely wrong in these assumptions, due to fantastic advances in the field, MS is now being diagnosed younger and younger.
That being said, I remember how isolated I felt when I was first diagnosed, due to the fact I didn’t have anyone at a similar age to turn to for advice. The support websites and forums were geared towards an older demographic, discussing problem-solving for parents and long-term relationships, whereas issues facing a younger age group was not discussed. My main motivation for running this year is to promote the support channels available to young adults/children who are in similar positions.
I also want to show the public that MS is not the life-destroying diagnosis that it once was. I have been on a number of Disease Modifying Therapies in my life, including Rebif (Beta interferons) and Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) and I continue to be, touch wood, perfectly healthy. One of the simplest pleasures for me is hearing somebody I meet say they could never tell I have MS. I want to show the public that MS is a disease that can be managed, alongside a normal life, and running the 2021 London Marathon would further that message.
Raising money for the vital further research will also be a huge incentive but ensuring that no individual feels as isolated as I did in the early stages of diagnosis is my key motivator.
Any support towards my cause will be hugely appreciated. If anything I hope you all can get a laugh from watching me try to train for/run a marathon! Hope you all are staying safe
John x
Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
More information about Multiple Sclerosis Society: More than 100,000 people in the UK have MS. The MS Society is here for every one of them, through the highs, lows and everything in between. There is no cure, but we offer hope for the future by investing millions in research, and help for today through our information, support and campaigning. Together we are strong enough to stop MS.
Organizer
John Rutherford
Organizer
Scotland
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Beneficiary