A member of the Pharmacy Team at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital has pledged to walk 50km next month – in support of a colleague who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Tracey Fuller, Pharmacy Procurement Lead and Personal Assistant to Chief Pharmacist, will be taking part in the May 50k to raise funds for life-changing research into MS.
She decided to take on the challenge after her colleague Nicky Chilvers, Medicines Management Facilitator at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS.
MS is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. Someone with relapsing remitting MS will have episodes of new or worsening symptoms, known as relapses.
Nicky said: “I’ve suffered problems with my walking for a few years now, and it got to the point where I had to find out what was wrong.
“To begin with I had several tests and an MRI scan at RJAH and it was implied I could have MS; however I was then referred to The Walton Centre in Liverpool who officially diagnosed me with MS and I’m now under the care of a Consultant and Specialist Nurse.
“I have been blown away with everyone’s kindness and love since my diagnosis – Tracey is a good friend of mine and I’m so thankful and appreciative for what she’s doing for me.”
The May 50k is organised by Kiss Goodbye to MS – a campaign which was first launched 2012 with the aim to raise awareness around MS.
Tracey said: “When I heard of Nicky’s diagnosis, I knew I wanted to do something to show my support to her and also to help raise awareness of MS.
“Knowing that I’m also doing my bit to raise money to support MS research makes the challenge even more worthwhile.
“I’m planning to walk to work throughout May to help me reach my 50k target – I live in St Martin’s so it’ll be a long journey but will be so worth it.”
If you would like to donate to Tracey’s fundraising efforts, you can do so here: https://www.themay50k.com/fundraisers/traceyfuller/uk.
Pictured: Nicky Chilvers, Medicines Management Facilitator, (left) and Tracey Fuller, Pharmacy Procurement Lead and Personal Assistant to Chief Pharmacist