Gloucester woman living with MS calls for more awareness
A woman from Gloucestershire diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis says not enough people know about the condition.
Last updated 1st May 2025
48-year-old Jane Hawkes, from Gloucester, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when she was in her early 20’s.
Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, including an estimated 12,372 in the South West.
The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think and feel.
Jane, who is a consumer champion, was diagnosed with relapsing MS at 22 whilst working a busy role as airline cabin crew, her symptoms and diagnosis of MS lead to her having to change careers.
Her condition is unpredictable, but her main symptoms include fatigue, bladder issues and cognitive problems.
Jane says: “Sometimes MS conversations at work are very necessary.
“For example, I sometimes slur my words and I need to explain that I’m not drunk.
“But I’m still hesitant to talk about anything very personal, like bladder or bowel issues.
“Talking about MS is so crucial, especially when you’re going through a diagnosis.
“For me, that felt like going through the stages of grief, and talking was so important.
And you never know, someone you’re talking to might have their own personal experience of MS to share.
“I see MS conversations as an opportunity to educate people.
“Often when I tell someone I have MS they confuse it with ME.
“The worst thing is when people say ‘you don’t look like you have MS’ because the symptoms are so invisible.
“But even when people do know a bit about MS, conversations are still so important because the symptoms vary so much from person to person.”
Nick Moberly, Chief Executive of the MS Society, says: “More than 150,000 of us live with MS in the UK, but the condition is different for everyone.
“No matter how it affects you, MS conversations are impossible to avoid.
“From explaining the condition to family members, to asking an employer for support, or opening up to a new partner.
“Finding the right words can be difficult.
“That’s why we’re proud to be teaming up with the UK’s leading MS charities to help start MS conversations all over the country.
“If you need support, please do reach out to any of these incredible organisations to find out what services are on offer.
“And we encourage everyone to get involved by using the hashtag #MSConversations.”