Myles Dunbar, a 32-year-old digital project manager from Catford, south-east London, has shared his battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition affecting around 150,000 people in the UK. After a severe flare-up left him paralyzed and forced to re-learn how to walk, he is now raising money to help find a cure.
Diagnosis and Initial Symptoms
Myles's journey with MS began in 2019. He recalled: 'One night I was laying in bed and I randomly started feeling severe aches and pains in my legs which got worse over time. It eventually got so bad that I went to A&E where I was eventually admitted into.' At the time of diagnosis, he had never heard of the condition and was terrified. He asked his doctor: 'Am I going to die?' The doctor reassured him: 'No you won’t die but you just need to manage life differently now.'
The Impact of MS on Daily Life
MS is a lifelong neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. Myles explained: 'Because one of the symptoms of MS is your balance being completely off at times it was difficult to walk in a straight line.' The condition has also prevented him from playing football, sprinting, or skating. Mentally, he said it feels 'debilitating' and makes him feel 'less than a man.'
A Severe Flare-Up and Paralysis
Myles experienced an extreme flare-up that left him paralyzed. He described: 'I just remember at one point I had an extreme flare up to the point where I was in tears and it left me paralyzed. I remember crawling on the hospital floor. It wasn't even dramatic, it was necessary because I lost the ability to walk and all strength in my legs went.'
Re-Learning to Walk
His recovery involved transitioning from a wheelchair to a zimmerframe, then a walking stick, and finally walking unaided. He said: 'It was incredibly frustrating, once again emasculating because it made me feel like less than a man – I don’t know why.' Despite the challenges, regaining his ability to walk was 'incredibly satisfying' and 'necessary for my recovery.'
Fundraising Through 'The BBQ Presents: The Summer Games'
To raise awareness and funds, Myles launched 'The BBQ Presents: The Summer Games,' an adult sports day event on July 12 from 12-6pm at St Dunstan’s Jubilee Ground, London. Partnering with the MS Trust and the MS Society, he will donate a portion of proceeds to fight MS. The event includes fun and fitness activities, with prizes for participants. KA, a Caribbean soft drink company, has also sponsored the event.
Support from MS Charities
The MS Trust said: 'We couldn’t continue our work without the fundraising efforts of people like Myles, and we hope you’ll be able to support them.' The MS Society added: 'We’re thrilled to share that Myles, through The BBQ, has chosen to support the MS Society. The day will raise vital funds to support people across the UK who are living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and will also play a key role in raising awareness about the impact of MS and the work we do to stop it. Every donation helps bring us closer to a world free from the effects of MS.'
Background of 'The BBQ' Events
Myles started hosting annual summer BBQs in his grandfather Liston Litchmore's backyard nine years ago. The event grew into a staple, attracting hundreds of guests from across the country. This year's event marks a shift towards fundraising for MS research.
