Celebrities including Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden, Hairy Bikers Dave Myers and Si King, and TV chef Ainsley Harriot have joined together in a self-filmed video, recorded at home, to urge people to take part in the MS Society’s #100kYourWay campaign.

The new fundraising challenge asks people to run, walk or cycle 100k to support those living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Deborah Meaden, best known for her role in BBC’s Dragon’s Den, said:

I have a close family member with MS and have worked with several people with the condition over the years.  It’s unpredictable and affects everyone differently, but this pandemic has presented serious challenges to many in the community – as well as charities like the MS Society, who support them. With society becoming more and more separated, it’s really important we find ways to come together again. We’re all social creatures at heart being part of something bigger for a common cause can help keep us connected.

On making the film at home Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills said:

I’ve always supported the MS Society because two people very close to me are affected by it – my mum and my friend Beccy, who used to be on my show. The MS Society needs support now more than ever, and this is a great way to still fundraise when everything else is being cancelled. 100k might seem like a long way to run, walk, or cycle, but you can do it over whatever period of time you like, at your own pace, and even team up with friends or family. It’s a fun, flexible way to support people living with MS, at a time when charities are really struggling.

Martin Mears, Head of Community and Events at the MS Society, says:

We know lots of people in our community are disappointed they can’t fundraise the way they normally would this summer, which is why we created #100kYourWay. Many people with MS have been severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and this is a different way to help them, and help us make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Over 130,000 people live with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK. MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think.  It’s relentless, painful, disabling and unpredictable as well as being different for everyone.

Image credit: MS Society

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