A superfit Scots mum who used to walk 10 kilometres a day says she now struggles to walk 50 metres after a devastating diagnosis.
Jacqueline McGougan larned she had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) last September after she began experiencing pins and needles in her face, as well as a numbness on her tongue.
The mum of Ava, 13, and Rian, 10, says she is still trying to come to terms with the deteriorating condition, reports Glasgow Live.
However, Jacqueline is determined not to let the condition stop her as she sets her eyes on completing the Glasgow Kiltwalk this April. For her, the experience is personal, as her uncle, great-uncle, and, more recently, her mother all suffer from the condition.
Speaking about the condition, she said: “It’s hard to get my head around it mentally. I’ve always been very active and used to walk 10 kilometres a day.
“Now I struggle to walk 50 metres. My head hasn’t caught up with what my body is doing.
“When I first started talking about doing it [the Kiltwalk] to people, I had some comments made like, ‘How are you going to be able to do that?’ So I’m out to prove them wrong.”
Jacqueline hopes her story will inspire others to seek the support they need and get involved. She added: “Everybody with MS is different, with different needs and expectations.
“I would urge people – don’t be too proud to ask for help. That’s why places like Revive are so important. Revive is a package to help live with this illness.”
Jacqueline discovered Revive MS Support after being referred by her MS Nurse. The charity, which provides specialist services for people living with MS, has become a lifeline for her.
She has launched a fundraiser to help support the important work of the charity.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
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