Running for my Dad

Christina Collis is running her first half marathon in March for MS-UK to show support for her dad who lives with progressive MS

I’ve decided to run the Bath Half Marathon in March for MS-UK because multiple sclerosis (MS) has been part of my family’s journey since I was a baby. My father was diagnosed with progressive MS when I was just a few months old, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve witnessed its impact on his life and our family.

His resilience continues to inspire me. By supporting MS-UK, I’m helping build a future with more support and resources for people like my dad, who is now fully immobile and relies on a wheelchair with chin control. This run is my way of raising awareness, contributing to vital resources, and honouring him.

This is my first marathon, and I am not a runner so it will be a challenge! The maximum I have ever ran was 10k and that was a bit of a struggle.

With the days still cold and short, I have decided to sign up to the gym and closer to the time I will go for runs outside.

I have set up a JustGiving page and have raised almost £500. My dad is also helping me by raising money through sponsorships from friends and family on a sheet of paper as some people don’t have easy access to the internet.

For my final year at university, I chose to create a children’s book that captured my personal experience of growing up with a father who had MS. As a child, I never came across a book that explained what my dad was going through. There was nothing to help me understand or navigate the difficulties of having a parent with a chronic illness. I wanted to change that – for the younger version of me and for other children who might be going through something similar.

By creating this book, it gave me the chance to reflect on how my father’s condition shaped our relationship, and ultimately, how we found joy in the little things despite the challenges. There were certainly moments of frustration and sadness – my dad couldn’t do certain things like run or join in more physically demanding activities. But we adapted. We built connections in different ways – through reading together, painting, sharing laughs over our favourite TV shows, and simply spending quality time in ways that didn’t require physical effort.

This book is my way of showing children that even though life with a parent who has MS might look different, it’s still filled with opportunities for love, creativity, and connection. I hope it can spark conversations, help children feel less alone, and encourage them to open up about their own experiences. Because when I was a child, I never had anyone to talk to about MS, other than my parents.

Could you run for MS-UK? Being part of the MS-UK team isn’t just about running. It’s about helping us to continue our vital work supporting anyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) to live healthier and happier lives. Click here to find out more.