Richard’s Wheelchair to 5K
Our inspirational supporter Richard Whitfield, who was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s (albeit with MSA being suggested as a possibility) in June 2017, recalls what a professor at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square London told him when he sought a second opinion later that year.
“He was pretty blunt and told me it was indeed MSA. Of course, when I looked up the condition it became clear – my symptoms matched many of those described.”
Over the years since the diagnosis, he has been supported by his wife Ann and children Ed, Hannah and Henry as his condition has deteriorated. Whilst experiencing a range of MSA symptoms, perhaps the most significant one is his very low blood pressure which leaves him at constant risk of collapsing. He can also no longer stand unaided. As a result Richard is now largely confined to a wheelchair that reclines; this helps him maintain a more stable blood pressure and gives him greater mobility. But Richard is determined not to let his confinement stand in his way….
Richard understands the sad terminal nature of his condition. He says “Over Christmas time, I decided I would like to undertake a challenge that would raise both awareness of MSA and funds for the MSA Trust. I wanted to show my appreciation of the support that I have received from the Trust, both in terms of the information resources and the telephone support. I also wanted to help fund much-needed ongoing research into the illness”.
Following in the footsteps of the late Captain Sir Tom, he is therefore using a rollator walker to support him as he completes laps around the courtyard of his family home, a difficult but rewarding challenge. He plans to walk 5km between 1st January and his 59th birthday in April. This equates to 120 laps of the courtyard. All being well (and COVID restrictions permitting), he will complete the challenge on his actual birthday with his friends and family cheering him home with a slice of cake in hand!
This is Richard’s first fundraising challenge for the Trust. He has already raised more than £30,000, and the total keeps on rising. He feels overwhelmed by the support he has been given, “The sum raised far exceeds my wildest expectations. I have received support from so many people including former colleagues I was last in contact with over twenty years ago”.
We are ever so grateful for his efforts as such a significant amount will go a long way in supporting everyone in the MSA community. Thank you so much to our very own Captain Tom and we wish you every success in completing your challenge!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the blogs published on these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MSA Trust.
