MS charity walk takes a £30k first step

Ten years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a North Hampshire woman is leading a 47-mile charity walk.

Jessica Fincham, 50, will be joined by around 30 people each day for the Multiple Steps for Multiple Sclerosis (MS4MS) challenge along the Test Way.

A total of 15 friends and family will be joining her for the whole walk, which has already raised over £30,000 - before one step has even been taken.

MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord and impacts how people move, think and feel.

The mother-of-three has previously raised £60,000 for the Stop MS Appeal in 2019.

“Over the last 10 years I have witnessed just how devastating this condition can be for people with MS and their families,” she said.

“It robs people of their independence, their careers, their confidence and their future plans.

“The Stop MS Appeal is about to mark its own 10-year milestone. It launched just as I was being diagnosed.

“I’ve seen first-hand how much of an impact the Stop MS Appeal has made. The research, the support, the hope and the number of new treatments on offer - it’s all vital in helping people like me continue to live life as fully as possible.”

The walk hopes to raise £100 million for MS research nationally by the end of 2025.

More than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK with around 135 newly diagnosed each week.

“It’s amazing to see what Jessica has been able to achieve before even starting her challenge,” said Mark Haymes, head of community and events fundraising at the MS Society.

“We’re so thankful for the support and generosity of everyone who has donated which will help us get closer to our £100 million goal.

“Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK but tens of thousands still don’t have treatments that work for them.

“Through the Stop MS Appeal we want to change this. Thanks to people like Jessica we’re within touching distance of our fundraising target.”