Yahoo News Man on epic cycle ride for MS awareness makes stop in Yeovil
A cyclist raising awareness of multiple sclerosis by riding across the country made a stop in Yeovil today (Monday, April 22). Felix Young is riding from Land's End in Cornwall to John o' Groats in Scotland and back in a bid to visit as many MS groups as possible and raise money in the process.
He was met by supporters at Westland's Leisure Complex around 3.30pm. He also made stops in Taunton and the Mendip District.
The ride is an annual event to mark MS Awareness Week, which begins today.
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Group Coordinator for Yeovil and Sherborne District Group Simon Woodland, 49, said: "The riders are quite awe-inspiring. Last year there was one chap who had MS and he was obviously a bit slower, but he still completed the whole course."
MS is a condition where the immune system attacks the brain and spine. It is not known what triggers MS.
Simon, who was diagnosed with the condition at 32, said the condition can impact everyone differently: "It started for me with pins and needles in my feet, so it affects my mobility. Some other people I know, it affects their eyesight."
Unfortunately, he said not everyone has been understanding: "I think people are quite ignorant and rude about it. People kept saying to me 'are you drunk?', because of the problems with my balance."
Simon, who used to work as an engineer, took early retirement seven years ago: "The fatigue got the better of me. But my motto is 'never give in', so now I've chucked myself into volunteering!".
Alongside his work with the local MS group, Simon is also a town councillor for Crewkerne. You can find out more about the local Yeovil and Sherborne group on their Facebook page.
If you're worried you may have symptoms of MS you should visit your GP. If you're living with MS, there is support available.
