Local woman helps raise £142,000 for MS charity

24 PEOPLE CLIMB 24 PEAKS IN 24 HOURS AND RAISE £142,000

Taking on 24 peaks in the Lake District, supporters of the charity Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis have raised more than £142,000.

The charity supports people with multiple sclerosis, promoting a seven-step evidence-backed programme to help them overcome the disease.

Alongside OMS Trustee Tony Bloom and CEO Gary McMahon, friends, family members and supporters of the charity took on the gruelling trek that is best described as extreme hiking.

Kellie Baron, a schoolteacher from Wales completed the trek and has been following the programme for eight years. She said: “Completing the 24 Peaks challenge with the OMS team to raise awareness and funds was an amazing experience.

“Eight years ago I was struggling to walk, yet within 18 months of following the OMS programme I was relapse and symptom free. Back then I never imagined I would one day be physically and mentally able to complete such a demanding challenge.

“I am so grateful to OMS for helping me onto the path to health, happiness and hope for the future. Overcoming MS is a mountain to climb … but it can be done!”

The 51km route takes place in some of the most challenging peaks in the Lake District, including Scafell Pike, the highest point in England. The team scaled around 19,000 metres of rugged terrain in challenging weather conditions.

The OMS programme promotes the integration of diet and lifestyle changes into standard medical management. It is backed by evidence-based research and helps people to overcome multiple sclerosis and enjoy a healthy life.

CEO of the charity, Gary McMahon, added: “I am so proud of each and every person that took part in this challenge. To raise more than £140,000 is an incredible achievement and will go far in helping us spread the message of OMS even further.

“Two people completing the trek with MS is testament to the programme and it was inspiring to walk by their sides. The weather may not have played in our favour but the strength, grit and determination of the team pulled us through. How will we top this in 2018? We’ve got some exciting plans in the pipeline.”