AFTER being told by a neurologist he’d be in a wheelchair in just four years, Chris Freer’s life was set on a harrowing path.

Now ten years on from when the man with Multiple Sclerosis was supposed to have stopped walking, he says a positive mindset has kept him on his feet.

When he was first diagnosed almost 20 years ago, Chris Freer says he took what his doctors told him as gospel truth.

However, when he was told by a neurologist in 2008 his diagnosis was secondary progressive with no drugs being available to halt its development, a moment of clarity filled him with optimism.

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Now 14 years on, despite it being estimated he would be in a wheelchair by 2012, Chris is still standing.

Chris said: “My journey with Multiple Sclerosis has been a transformative one.

“When I was first diagnosed almost 20 years ago, I took what my doctors told me as gospel.

“I understood my condition would worsen with time and came to terms with what that would mean for my life.

“However, when I was then told in 2008 that I’d be wheelchair-bound within four years, my perspective shifted.

“I started researching my condition, better understanding what it meant, entailed, and how I could fight back.”

Gazette: Chris Freer is now a life coachChris Freer is now a life coach

Chris began to research his condition and gained as much knowledge as he could.

Then, with his revised understanding, he formulated a strategy to take back control of his mind and body.

He studied exercise, diet, functional movement and mindset practise.

He says this completely transformed his outlook and his future.

“With that, I came to understand the power of a positive mindset,” Chris continued.

“I decided that life is all about choices and I chose to do everything I could to avoid that wheelchair, including using my mindset and outlook on life to stay as healthy as possible.

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“I based every decision on what would best inform my health, remained positive, even on the hardest of days, and surrounded myself with incredible people.

“Now, 14 years later, I’m still walking.”

But the road to success wasn’t easy for Chris.

“Maintaining this positive mindset, of course, wasn’t easy – in many ways my body was working against me,” he added.

“Nevertheless, I remained optimistic, didn’t put pressure on myself or expect each day to be perfect, learned to cherish the best parts of my life, and over time became more resilient.

“Now, I’m the founder and managing director of Upbeat Life, an organisation providing support to members of the community with disabilities, including various coaching provisions.

“I dedicate my life to helping others, sharing what I’ve learnt with them to maintain and enhance their quality of life as best I can.”

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Chris has founded an empowering and uplifting community for people with disabilities and learning disabilities in Essex with Upbeat Life, which is based in Maldon where he lives.

He is now a life coach and he and his team of coaches help individuals establish positive mindsets and reach their goals offering a wide range of services, including community support, a supported employment service and various coaching services.

“My mission and that of my team is to provide the best possible support to people who have a disability, learning disability or just don’t seem able to get the right mindset to reach their goal.

“We all have the right to become the best possible versions of ourselves and get the mind you need to live the life you deserve.

“I am extremely proud of the people who work in my organisation and I absolutely know they share my passion of empowerment and enablement for all.”