A North Hampshire woman is marking ten years since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) by leading a 47-mile charity walk along the Test Way – and has already raised over £30,000 before taking the first step.
Jessica Fincham, 50, is leading a group of supporters on the challenge, named Multiple Steps for Multiple Sclerosis (MS4MS), which began today, Thursday 18 September, in Totton and finishes on Sunday in Inkpen.
Around 30 people will join her on the route each day, with 15 friends and family members walking the entire journey. The walk is in support of the MS Society’s Stop MS Appeal, which aims to raise £100 million by the end of 2025 to fund vital research and improve access to treatment.
Jessica, a mother of three, was diagnosed with MS in 2015 at the age of 40. She previously raised £60,000 for the same appeal in 2019.
Speaking about her motivation, Jessica said:
“I’m very lucky to say that thanks to early diagnosis and treatment, I’m still walking, talking, and living life on my terms. But I’ve also seen just how devastating MS can be. It robs people of their independence, their careers, their confidence and their future plans.”
MS affects over 150,000 people in the UK, with around 135 new diagnoses each week. It can impact movement, thinking, and how people feel, with symptoms often being invisible.
Mark Haymes from the MS Society praised Jessica’s efforts, saying her dedication is helping the charity move closer to its funding target:
“Thanks to people like Jessica we’re within touching distance of our goal.”
To support Jessica and the MS4MS 2025 challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/page/ms4ms2025.
More information about the Stop MS Appeal can be found at www.mssociety.org.uk/stopmsappeal.