Raising money for people living with Multiple Sclerosis

Hello.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in August 2023.

In shock, I ploughed myself into doing everything I could to improve my life: that's when I found my ballet teacher Miss Ruth. She helps me to stretch and move to music that soothes me - I adore it.

After a few months, Miss Ruth asked me to perform in public. I didn’t love the idea, but it gave my classes purpose. Instead of focusing on why I am here (to forget my MS), we've had fun working out the small dance routine.

On June 22nd, I’ll perform at The Kingswood Halls. Eleven-year-old Benjamin will provide the music and play Schumann on the piano. Miss Ruth says he’s a genius. Whilst I fling my arms about, I thought I should raise some money to make it all worthwhile. Miss Ruth insists that all donations collected at the performance will also go to the MS Society.

150,000 people in the UK have MS. Two and half times as many women as men are diagnosed with it. It affects the brain and spinal cord. The coating that protects the nerves (myelin) is repeatedly damaged. MS is known as the invisible disability. I'd say it also feels chaotic. There are so many unknowns, each person presents differently, and the range of symptoms has been frightening to experience and read about.

There's no cure, but lots of support.

The MS Society and MS Shift provide me with a safe space to learn and rant about my MS. They’ve been comforting when I’ve felt overwhelmed.

I can't thank them enough for their help during the early days of my diagnosis. I know I'll be using their resources for the rest of my life.

Your donations will keep them supporting people like me, who are determined to carry on with life and make the best of it. I can't leap around a ballet stage (I do chair ballet), but I can raise a little money and awareness for the MS Society and MS Shift, which makes me happy.

I’d also like to donate some of the money to Miss Ruth’s project ‘Dazzling New Stars.’ She’s amazing. She’s in her 70s and teaches underprivileged children piano, as well as giving them the chance to perform twice a year. I’ve met some of her wonderful students and I’d like to help Miss Ruth to continue making a difference in their lives.

Thank you for your donations. Every pound is appreciated.

Have a lovely day.

Lots of Love

Ena