A UK multiple sclerosis charity has announced their second annual accessible marathon.

MS-UK launched the first My MS Marathon in summer 2020, as a way of raising funds and spirits during the height of the first lockdown.

Participants are encouraged to use the number 26 as inspiration to choose their own challenge, pick a distance or time goal, and complete this however they wish. Many are running the traditional marathon of 26 miles, but others may choose instead to skip for 26 minutes, or bake 26 cakes. Each participant pledges to raise £100 during their fundraising, and those who raise more get a MS-UK medal.

Catherine Wakefield, who has been living with MS since 2012, completed a distance of 26 miles in last year’s marathon, walking laps of her village green. She cites Sir Captain Tom Moore as an inspiration, commenting:

It was hard but I managed, albeit with a few trips and rests along the way. If Sir Captain Tom could do it at 100, surely I could manage a few laps around the village green!

MS-UK was founded in 1993, and provides counselling services for those living with multiple sclerosis. However, due to a recent increase in demand for their counselling, they are currently unable to take on any new referrals. The charity hopes that the funds raised during the My MS Marathon will solve this issue.

Diana Crowe, Head of Services at MS-UK, said of the recent decision to stop taking referrals:

This has been a very difficult decision to make and please be assured that we will do our best to resume normal service as soon as possible. The money raised from My MS Marathon will really help us maintain and resume the service.

MS-UK’s counselling is the only service specific to multiple sclerosis in the country, with each counsellor trained to have full knowledge of the disability. The service uses video chatting and telephone counselling to provide support for people all over the UK.

To find out how to participate in My MS Marathon, click here.