Want to fundraise but worried

Hi all, this is my first post on here. I’m a 28 year old male and was diagnosed with rrms last year and as a runner I wanted to raise money for charity for my first marathon in May this year. I’ve been open with family and some friends about my diagnosis but people at work don’t generally know. I’d like to make people aware in my offices that I am raising money for an ms charity (as this is where I could raise the most money) and be able to say why. I’d also like to raise awareness about ms in general. Luckily my ms is very early on and I’ve only suffered from vision problems that have pretty much recovered. I’m worried that being open about my diagnosis will change people’s view of me even though I’m exactly the same person. I know people can’t discriminate against me (on paper) but it can’t help but feel there would some negative effects. I’m currently a design engineer working for a large engineering organisation. Does anybody have any advice on how to go about doing this please? I don’t want to have to hide my diagnosis as it’s nothing to feel ashamed of and I’m generally quite an open person. I know I could lie about why I want to raise money for an ms charity, or just say nothing but that doesn’t sit well with me. Thank you in advance for any feedback.

hi

have you told your employer?

it is a good idea to do so, then they have to make reasonable adjustments for you.

if you have told them, there’s no reason for you not to ask for sponsors amongst your colleagues.

if you don’t get many replies, try asking again wording the title “legal advice”.

i have huge admiration for you.

the paralympics showed how ms can go alongside athletic prowess.

carole x

Thank you Carole. I forgot to say I’ve already told my managers and they have been really supportive and understand that they would need to make reasonable adjustments if necessary. Luckily I’m still in a position where I don’t need any adjustments to be made. My concern is more about how other people will perceive me. I want to be open about it but don’t want people to think differently about me or for it to get in the way of my career progression. As a design engineer cognitive skills are really important go me, as we know issues could occur in the future but for now (and hopefully many years) I am fine. I worry that if people know they may begin to question my judgment or it could affect my career opportunities. I know that by law nobody can decriminate against me but it could still be a something people have in the back of their minds. I hope I’m just being paranoid but it would be good to hear from others who have been through the same. Thanks, Matt

hi again

hopefully your colleagues will be aware that any one of them can be knocked for six by an illness.

stand proud because you are doing a magnificent job despite having ms.

think of all that you are despite ms rather than all you are not because of ms.

rise above anyone who thinks otherwise.

carole x

Hi, I admire your pluck and wishes to raise funds.

I dont see why you cant put a poster up at work, say in the canteen, inviting people to donate to your worthy cause.

Ask the MSSociety if they have any literature you can use.

Good luck.

pollsx