MS Awareness Week - Scott's Story

As part of MS Awareness Week, we’re sharing Scott’s story.

Scott has always been active, running marathons, swimming competitively and cycling long distances. But in 1996, during the Reading Half Marathon, he began to notice small changes in his coordination. At just 30 years old, he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

As his MS progressed, Scott adapted to keep moving, but drop foot gradually began to affect his balance and confidence. In 2015, after an assessment with Kim Pickering, Lead Orthotist at our Ringwood Clinic, he was fitted with a SAFO.

The difference was immediate:
“When I put it on, it felt transformative. I could do heel and toe walking for the first time in fourteen years. My balance changed completely, it felt like being vertical again.”

Now using his fifth SAFO, Scott continues to work closely with Kim to stay active and pursue new goals. With renewed stability, he’s completed Land’s End to John O’Groats by bike, regularly rides long distances, and is already preparing for his next challenge, a ride around the Isle of Wight this summer.

Scott’s journey is a great example of how the right orthotic support can help people living with MS stay active, independent, and moving forward.