Scott Nicholls

From early signs of change to a transformative solution, Scott’s story shows how the correct orthotic support can redefine what is possible.

Sport had always been a defining part of Scott’s life. From the age of seventeen, he competed in half and full marathons, swam competitively, and regularly took part in long distance cycle events. Fitness became part of his identity as he balanced an active lifestyle with building a career in accountancy and raising his family in his hometown of Newbury.

In March 1996, while running the Reading Half Marathon, Scott noticed himself tripping repeatedly. Nothing seemed obviously wrong, but he recognised that his coordination was changing. He visited his doctor soon afterwards and was referred to a neurologist for further assessments, including an MRI and a lumbar puncture.

A month later, in April 1996, at just thirty years old, Scott was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. The news was overwhelming. “My first reaction was simply, what is this? I did not want to acknowledge it. I put my head in the sand for a long time,” Scott recalled.

Determined to stay active, Scott tried to continue running, but as his condition progressed this became increasingly difficult. He shifted his focus to swimming and cycling, taking on various challenges to maintain the sense of movement and achievement that sport had always given him.

In 2014, Scott was receiving physiotherapy on his leg at Lambourn, a centre known for supporting injured jockeys. During one session, his physiotherapist mentioned a friend who had developed drop foot and had been referred to Dorset Orthopaedic. The progress that friend made inspired Scott to seek advice himself.

Scott attended his first appointment with Kim Pickering, Lead Orthotist at the Ringwood Clinic, in 2015. During the assessment, she identified that his left foot was not lifting effectively. She recommended a SAFO and arranged for a mould to be taken.

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

Although he noticed benefits straight away, it took time for Scott to appreciate the full extent of the improvement. Over the following months, he saw changes not only in his mobility but also in his confidence and ability to keep swimming. “It helped me mentally as much as physically,” he shared.

Scott is now using his fifth SAFO and continues to work closely with Kim to ensure each version supports his evolving sporting goals. He has valued both the ongoing advancements in SAFO technology and the personalised approach to refining each device.

With renewed stability, Scott returned to long distance cycling. He has since completed the Land’s End to John O’Groats route and regularly takes on rides ranging from fifty to one hundred miles. He remains active in local athletics and cycling clubs, where he volunteers as treasurer. His next major challenge is a full cycle around the Isle of Wight in July 2026.

Wearing his SAFO has become part of his daily routine. “Putting it on is no different from getting dressed or brushing my teeth. It is as critical as that,” Scott explained. He often pairs it with colourful ankle socks and feels completely at ease wearing it in public.

Scott encourages anyone visiting Dorset Orthopaedic to approach their appointment with confidence. “Go with an open mind. Do not worry about feeling uncomfortable because everyone there is aligned with you,” he said. “Embrace it and give it a go. If it does not work for you, something else will. There is always a solution. Just do not close any doors.”