Tessa Nielsen

Last year I set my sights high and completed 100km and raised funds well above what I expected! I was 4 months pregnant at the start of last year's challenge and this year I have my little boy to join me on the walks. So to be realistic, I've set my targets a little lower. Also because in the last few weeks I have suffered a massive relapse, affecting both my legs and arms. I have mobility but movement isn't as good as it should be, my limbs and most of my body are numb and everything just takes me a little longer right now. Relapses are expected, generally, to take around eight weeks to recover from so I'm hopeful that by May I might be well over this bump, and if I am I will push to go a bit further! If not, I'm just happy if I'm able to get to this target. Life with MS changes in a flash and there are not guarantees things will return to how they were before. It's is a physical illness that nobody can see for the most part and a daily mental struggle to keep your head right and try and remain calm and positive. Hard enough at the best of times I'm sure you will agree, but with a 4 month old baby to care for, and other challenges popping up along the way... I'm hoping completing this walking challenge will be as good for my mental resilience as it will be for funds towards MS research.

Thank you to all who donated and walked with me last year, and to anyone who wishes to this year. One foot in front of the other... I'll get there, with James and anyone else who wants to be by my side!