“I wanted to do something positive”


6 August 2019

After her MS diagnosis, Dr Susannah Hamilton was determined to turn a negative into a positive and help others access the same support she felt so grateful to have had herself. So back in June, Susannah organised a fun run to raise vital funds for the MS Trust. Over 100 people took part, and an incredible £40,000 was raised – enough to fund an MS specialist nurse for a year.

“I was diagnosed with MS last year and felt completely devastated as it came out of the blue. As I start a future of uncertainty, I have been incredibly lucky to have the support of amazing family, friends and colleagues. Without them the last year would have been extremely difficult.

I wanted to do something positive this year. I realise that many people get this diagnosis and aren’t as lucky as me. I decided to arrange a fundraising run for the MS Trust as we share a belief that nobody should manage MS alone. It started off as a few of us running a local pre-organised 10k and spiralled out of control ending up with my family, friends and I organising a run followed by a fundraiser at my house!

The day was incredible. 100 family and friends joined me to run 5 or 10k along the river from Surbiton to Teddington, all in blue MS Trust t-shirts. The enthusiasm of those involved was infectious. This was followed by food, drink and a raffle at our house. The rain held off and we had a wonderful time with everyone leaving with smiles on their faces. At the same time my friend who couldn’t make it, as she was on board the Boudicca to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, raised money with veterans walking round the deck of the boat. Another friend and her family ran in Devon - all in aid of the MS Trust.

I have been completely overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, fundraising efforts and support of friends and family. Together we have raised £40,000 for people with MS. Thank you all.

What a wonderful day and what a remarkable effort by Susannah, her family and friends.  I was overwhelmed by the level of support Susannah was able to mobilise – it’s very much to her credit that so many of her family, friends and colleagues were prepared to get involved, raise awareness of the Trust and raise such a fantastic total. In terms of turning a negative into a positive, Susannah absolutely nailed it! A huge thank you to her and all involved in a very special day.

Rob Carter, director of fundraising and marketing at the MS Trust 

If you’d like to organise a run in your local community and help make a difference for people with MS today, please get in touch with our fundraising team on fundraising@mstrust.org.uk / 01462 476707.