Fighting MS - Tyrone Hibbert

Living With RRMS … Relapsing, Remitting, Multiple Sclerosis

Tyrone was born 18th January 1988 a healthy boy, throughout his school years Ty had no real illnesses. He grew up keen on sports, trained in martial arts and weightlifting with his father, he is a very kind disciplined young man.

Tyrone left school not really sure what he wanted to do and was doing ad-hoc work while deciding. It was around the age of 18 Tyrone started showing signs that I, as his father recognised due to experience with his uncle who died of MS in 2005 aged 45.

My brother Barry (Tyrone’s uncle) was diagnosed with RRMS (Relapsing, Remitting Multiple Sclerosis) aged 17, he was severely disabled within two years but lived for a further 28 years before passing from this dreadful disease in 2005.

After going back and forth with numerous doctors, whom originally dismissed us even after me explaining the symptoms were the same as what we had previously experienced with Tyrone’s uncle. We finally got a diagnoses in 2012. Although this was heartbreaking, it was a relief to finally be taken seriously. This didn’t take away the devastation I felt.

Tyrone has had several treatments over the past decade; however Multiple Sclerosis differs, and one treatment may work for one individual but may provide no effect for another. Tyrone has had the following treatments via the NHS, Tysabri, Lemtrada, Gilenya and was then restarted on Tysabri in 2019 on a six-weekly basis which changed to four-weekly in 2022. As Tyrone's disease is in the secondary progressive phase, it means that the Tysabri is no longer serving its purpose, however the consultant is reluctant to stop treatment as it would pose a higher risk of further relapses. It has been suggested in 2023 that he is started on a new treatment called Siponimod, there has not yet been any updates on this new medication For the purpose of context, relapses are an inflammation in the central nervous system. They can be very mild or severe enough to interfere with your ability to function.

During this time Ty started a long-term relationship, they had two beautiful children and were blessed with a girl and boy.

Over time the relationship began to brake down and the decision was made to part, however it remains amicable between them both. Tyrone sees his children regularly with help from us as parents and speaks with them daily.

Over the last 12 months, at the age of 37, Tyrone has become severely disabled and is solely reliant on his mother and father for all aspects of care and mobility such as showering, use of the toilet and eating. He is unable to move without aid.

Although as a family we have pulled together, I’m sure you can imagine we are struggling to financially support everything Tyrone needs and therefore asking for any help from our friends and family.

This money will go towards accessibility aids, making everything in Tys home hands free, home adaptions to try and support him having some normality, continue living independently, suitable transport to get him to and from appointments etc and carers to help take some pressure off his parents. Along with that we are hoping to get some outside MS specialist therapy.

Although we have taken this financial burden on for a long time, it is now becoming impossible for us to do it alone.

Tyrone is a father, a son, a brother, a friend and on top of all that an MS warrior that has fought this dreadful illness for over 10 years.

We as parents will do all we can to provide a comfortable and long filled life for Ty, whilst trying to maintain and encourage his own independence.

Anything you may be able to donate will be greatly appreciated and we would like to thank you in advance.

We will update you all on the process as we go along.

I write this at 21:52 Saturday 1st March 2025 while Ty is in Worcester Hospital and has been for the last five days with no clear clarity when he will be well enough to go home. He will come home, soon we hope.

Thank you, Rupert.