Meet Laura, new to the board of trustees

Diagnosed in 2017, Laura’s always wanted to give back for the support she received

I first became aware of multiple sclerosis (MS) when I was admitted to hospital, after what I now know was a relapse in 2017. My diagnosis, at the age of 27, came as a total shock and thankfully MS-UK, along with other MS charities, were there to help me understand my condition and provide emotional support.

Since my diagnosis, I have used the resources available through MS-UK, including the counselling service. I felt I wanted to give back to the charity that supported me through a difficult period in my life but also improve the support and experience offered by the charity based on first-hand experience as a person living with MS.

MS-UK helped me to navigate my diagnosis and treatment options and therefore I am motivated to get involved to ensure that others have access to support and information as they go through the experience of being diagnosed with a lifelong condition like MS.

I am grateful to have the opportunity by being a trustee for MS-UK. Through volunteering I have met some great people with a variety of connections to MS. I think this has helped me normalise the condition and find a group of people that can understand and empathise with my experiences.

Following diagnosis, I found my love for running, which is funny because before my diagnosis I couldn’t run to the end of the street! Running helps me manage my MS symptoms, but my greatest running achievement was completing the Virgin Money London Marathon for the MS Trust in 2021.

Alongside managing life with MS, I work in human resources in the manufacturing industry. I have a degree in English and a masters in human resource management, both from the University of Hull. I’m also a chartered member of the CIPD. Although life looks a little different since having MS, I remain positive and am determined to live life to the full!

To anyone who is thinking of volunteering, put simply… do it, you won’t regret it! A variety of skills and experiences are needed to help MS-UK be successful and there are a lot of different ways you can get involved.

The team at MS-UK can offer any support you need to be able to volunteer. You’re bound to meet a whole host of new people with a shared interest in supporting those people affected by MS, whether directly or indirectly. It’s also very rewarding to give your time to a charity that you can see is having a positive impact on the lives of others, and maybe even your own.