Steve’s MS diagnosis helped him find a new love for sport

Steve Fidler, 54, from Faringdon, Oxfordshire reveals how his diagnosis introduced him to a new sport that he loves

If it wasn’t for my disability, I wouldn’t have the opportunities that I have, or at least that’s what my wife, Nadine, says. But it’s true.

I was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), in July 2024, and it hit me hard. My symptoms started aggressively nine years before in 2015 with initially a numb right foot that turned into complete loss of sensation and movement from the waist down within a two-week period.

I was told from the offset that it was not multiple sclerosis as my symptoms were too severe and after a few months the diagnosis of idiopathic transverse myelitis was given. A further few months in rehab and I returned home on the 03 June 2016, to my new life.

My wife described it as bereavement because we lost the life we had mapped out for ourselves. We have two children, Hollie, 31 and Abbie, 29, but they’re grown up and we had planned holidays abroad.

I was a lorry driver – a job I loved – in fact I love cars and had to sell my car we had saved up to buy. It was hard relying on my wife. She worked full time as a nurse and had to take me places as I did not get an adapted car until a year after I came home.

Admitting to myself I needed a wheelchair was hard. I could walk around my home and outside very short distances with two sticks but over the years have become very reliant on my wheelchair. Overall, I took the diagnosis in my stride, we are a half glass full kind of family. My wife and children never let me dwell and our mantra is ‘it is what it is’.

By September 2023 though, I mentioned in one of my hospital appointments that I had noticed a weakness in my right arm. By the following summer, after an MRI scan, I was told my new diagnosis – SPMS.

Then I found something I love – archery. I have never been a sporty person, but it makes me so happy. I loved watching the grand prix on the television and enjoyed going to the gym but that’s where my sportiness stopped. I was aware we lived near an archery club but whilst working I never had the time to consider it. In 2018 I signed up for a taster session at the local leisure center and got the bug and joined Buscot Park Archers.

Archery is a very inclusive sport for disabled people; able bodied archers are very supportive and will always be willing to assist me should I need it.  I had to adapt to every part of my life, however, have only ever known archery as a wheelchair user and have embraced this – in fact I’ve excelled in this sport.

Four years ago, I was selected to be part of the Archey GB para-academy and could progress to the world class program which in turn could lead to me representing my county.

I feel archery has given me something to focus on and has opened my support network and friendship group.

I’m also a grandad to Henry, 4 and Erin, 2 and despite my disability, I’m a very hands-on grandparent. I have an adapted wheelchair, called a tri-ride, which turns into a mobility scooter. The grandkids love sitting on my knee and riding around the field where I do archery – it brings me so much joy.

We’re such a close family, too. My daughter, Abbie and my son in law, James, ran the TCS London marathon this year on behalf of MS-UK in order to let others know about the support offered by the charity.

I would encourage anyone to consider participating in a sport, particularly archery. It has truly given me a direction and the courage to embrace my diagnosis and turn it into a positive.