How an MS diagnosis bought siblings Patsy and Connor closer together

After experiencing altered sensations, pain and foot drop, Patsy was diagnosed with MS at the age of 14. This National Siblings Day, we caught up with Patsy and her brother Connor, who is taking part in the Great North Run in support of the MS Trust.

I ended up in hospital with gastroenteritis as I had collapsed in the bath. A week later, my left arm felt numb and heavy. When I told my parents they just thought I was trying to get out of school. I was only 14 at the time so what teenager doesn’t try that?

I went to school but during the day my tutor rang my mum as I was crying from the amount of pain in my left arm. I was taken to A&E where they did various neurological tests but I still couldn’t feel anything. I was sent for an emergency MRI scan where they found lesions on my brain, although they originally thought I had a brain tumour. 

While waiting for an appointment with a neurologist I lost the use of my left leg. It felt like I had ants crawling all over it and my parents noticed I was dragging my left leg when I was walking. A couple of weeks later I woke up and couldn’t see out of one of my eyes. I was rushed in to see an ophthalmologist who confirmed I had Optic Neuritis which led to my diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS. 

I was absolutely devastated. I thought I was going to die as I didn’t know MS existed. My whole life shattered around me and even to this day I don’t think I’ve come to terms with my diagnosis.

I didn’t speak to anyone about my MS because I was so embarrassed of my diagnosis. My teachers at school told my group of friends which I’m glad about as they were so supportive. 

Even now I don’t like talking about my MS with anyone. The first person I told was my husband, nine years after my diagnosis. He couldn’t have been more supportive and I count my lucky stars every single day that I have Ed in my life.

My life has changed so much since being diagnosed with MS. I was just a normal teenager who enjoyed going out with friends and not having a worry in the world. 

Now, I have to plan ahead. If we go to a party, I always nap beforehand because I know I won’t last the full night. I can’t walk around our local shopping centre as much as I used to because my legs end up hurting and they become heavy, so I normally take my wheelchair in case I need it. Activities that most people take for granted, like showering and getting ready, are some of my biggest challenges.

Life is precious and I try to live for the day rather than thinking about the future now.

We had a love/hate relationship when we were younger. Connor is the jokester of the family so he was always playing tricks on everyone and being the annoying little brother. 

Connor and I only live five minutes away from each other now and we speak every single day. If I ever need anything, he will stop whatever he’s doing to come and help. I can’t imagine what it was like for my sister and twin brothers having to watch me going through everything I’d had to endure. It was like they had to grow up overnight but they were always there to help. It definitely brought us all closer together.

I’m so proud of Connor for choosing to fundraise for people with MS. There wasn’t much information out there when I was first diagnosed, especially only being 14 at the time so even if his support helps just one person then it’s so worth it!

By supporting the MS Trust, I hope that there will be fewer people suffering in silence. When my sister, Patsy was first diagnosed, she wouldn’t talk to anyone so I know how much talking and finding out more about the condition can help.

I do something every year to help support charities and people with MS, from four mile dog walks, to taking on the Three Peaks in 24 hours. This will be my third Great North Run and it’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of. The atmosphere is electric and it’s the crowd that gets you through.

I am so excited for the race night this year. I always get nervous a week before I start training but a soon as I take to the roads and get the first run over and done with, I’ll be ecstatic and ready to push on.

Remember why you’re doing it. When that is at the front of your mind, you can raise endless amounts of funds but it’s not about how much you raise - it’s about raising awareness. Me, my sister, my family and others living with MS all need people like you! 

Alone we can do so little: together we can do so much.

• Great North Run - Take part in a fundraising event and support the MS Trust
• Connor's JustGiving page - Make a donation
• Connor's letter to MS - Read what Connor had to say to the condition