I’ve been living with MS for twenty years now, after being diagnosed at the age of 35. I’ve always led an active life, playing and coaching rugby, skiing and even building my own house - and my mobility is something that I value hugely. Many people who know me perhaps wouldn’t realise how much my MS impacts my daily life. But over the past few years it has become progressively more debilitating; walking is becoming far more difficult and I now have to use two sticks to get around. The bad days are starting to outweigh the good – although I always try to stay as positive as possible.

Anyone who has MS will tell you that the future can feel especially unpredictable and uncertain. When I’m no longer able to use my legs at all, the next step will be for me to use a mobility scooter. However, before I get to that point, I want to do everything I can to ensure that I keep using my legs and am being as independent as possible. That’s why I’m raising funds to purchase an Alinker walking bike. This piece of equipment will help me to keep walking, enabling me to get out and about and maintain the strength in my legs, which would mean so much to me.

These amazing pieces of equipment cost just under $2,000 (£1800). Any contribution which will help me purchase this equipment would be so appreciated – no matter how big or small. Thank you for reading my story.     

More about the Alinker

The Alinker bike was designed and developed in the Netherlands by Barabara Alink, who created the bike for her mother after she refused to use a walker. Her mother wanting to avoid using a walking aid because of the stigma that she felt went along with them. So Barbara decided to create a mobility aid with a modern, eye-catching design that would be accessible to everyone.