Adrian, 61, takes on selfless fundraiser despite MS diagnosis

The lifelong, incurable condition has a plethora of heart-wrenching symptoms which include tiredness, vision problems and issues with walking or balance.

Try telling that to Adrian Rowley though who, despite his constant every day battles, takes on life head first.

Mr Rowley, 61, was diagnosed with the devastating condition several years ago, which sees the immune system mistakenly attack the brain and nerves.

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Research is on-going, but it is still not clear to experts why this happens and while there is medication to mitigate its impact, there is still no cure.

However, the father-of-two from Colchester selflessly decided he wanted to get out and help others...and so off he went.

He decided to take on a five-mile walk around Mersea Island to raise vital funds for St Helena Hospice, wanting to do something in memory of his sister-in-law, Anne Rowley.

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Anne was just 54 when she died after battling bowel cancer.

Despite his day-to-day symptoms of extreme tiredness, incontinence and difficulties walking, Mr Rowley grabbed his walking frame and headed out alongside his wife, Wendy, and her sister.

“I’m a very stubborn person, if I put my mind to something, then I will do it,” he said.

“There was a couple of times where my leg was dragging rather than walking, so I stopped for a quick rest and then got back up and going again.

“We were a bit cheeky as we bought a coffee on the way round, but my wife was also armed with breakfast bars and water to keep us all going.”

Although his MS diagnosis has limited his mobility, Mr Rowley says he stills works two nights a week at a taxi office and volunteers to help homeless people on Thursdays.

“I have good days and bad days,” he said.

“I get very lethargic and can sleep very easily during daytime and at night.

“It does get difficult walking at times, but I try to not let it beat me.

“During the bad days I can’t really do anything at all, I basically sit in a chair for the best part of the day and do nothing. There’s the incontinence as well.

“I have several helpers and my wife helps me a lot.

“I try to keep motivated, but sometimes the tiredness takes over and all I want to do is sleep.

“My daughters, Lianne and Megan, look after me very, very well and my wife too. I don’t know what I’d do without their support.”

You can donate to Mr Rowley’s fundraiser via bit.ly/3BItEjO.