Jessica shares this latest news from the MS Society Ed
A young man from the Isle of Wight who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS) is taking on the challenge of trekking across the Sahara Desert to raise vital funds for the MS Society.
Carlo Nieddu, who is 26 and lives in Ryde, will be bearing the desert heat, trekking 100km across the Sahara Desert over nine days from 05-13 November.
He is aiming to raise £2,500 for MS research and to fund support for people affected by the condition.
Unpredictable condition
Carlo first started experiencing symptoms of MS in 2014 when he was 24. He says that while he had to wait a few months before seeing a neurologist, he suspected that it may have been MS:
“It all started when I lost vision in my left eye. Then over the next few months things started getting worse. My hands became very numb and would shake uncontrollably. Walking also became extremely difficult. MS is unpredictable, and after doing a bit of research around the symptoms I began to realise that it was very likely that I had MS. Once I saw a neurologist, I was sent for an MRI which confirmed the diagnosis.
“Fortunately, I have an amazing network of family and friends who supported me all through my diagnosis and continue to do so. And since starting a regular infusion treatment my condition has improved drastically. I never would have been able to take on this challenge otherwise. I’ve never done anything like this before, but ever since I was diagnosed I wanted to do something to raise money for the MS Society.”
There are more than 100,000 people living with MS in the UK. MS is unpredictable – one day you can be fine, the next you might lose your sight or be unable to move. People typically start experiencing symptoms in their 20s or 30s, which can include sight loss, pain, fatigue, incontinence and disability.
In training but “can’t wait for the challenge”
Carlo has never done any fundraisers before, but he says his regular training is coming along well:
“I’ve been using the gym and swimming regularly at my sports club ever since I was diagnosed. I’ve been keeping this up in preparation for the challenge, and I’ve also added long walks into my training as well.
“My fundraising is also going well and I am planning on doing some exciting events in the near future. I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and I can’t wait for the challenge itself. I’ll be really proud if I can finish the whole trek!”
Show your support
All the Carlo raised will be going to the MS Society, the leading UK charity for people with MS. You can sponsor Carlo through Just Giving.
Join in
If you think you have what it takes to takes to conquer the desert, sign up for the MS Society Sahara Desert Trek. Find more information about MS or the MS Society on our Website.
