Grandmother with MS Completes Extraordinary Four-Marathon Walking Challenge
A grandmother from Fulham who lives with multiple sclerosis has achieved an incredible feat by walking the equivalent of four marathons in just four days. Juliet Stebbings, diagnosed with MS seventeen years ago, has raised a staggering £36,455 for the charity MS-UK through her remarkable determination and resilience.
From Fitness Fan to Redefining Movement
Before her diagnosis, Juliet was a dedicated fitness enthusiast who frequented the gym daily and enjoyed running. However, the onset of MS dramatically changed her physical capabilities. "My balance had gone," she explains, describing the profound difficulty of accepting and adapting to her new reality. MS is a lifelong, incurable condition affecting the central nervous system, often leading to mobility issues, fatigue, numbness, pain, and cognitive challenges.
Juliet initially struggled with activities like reformer Pilates, where she found herself falling off machines, which severely impacted her confidence. Instead of giving up, she creatively reimagined her fitness routine to suit her condition. She embraced barre Pilates, which strengthens core muscles, and committed to walking extensively. "I wanted to create a new way to work out, not just do my old stuff badly," she emphasizes.
Transforming Health and Preventing Relapses
Juliet's dedication to fitness has yielded significant health benefits. While her doctors initially advised constant rest, she discovered that maintaining fitness helped her recover better from relapses. By listening to her body, adhering to a strict regime, and giving up alcohol three to four years ago, she has experienced no relapses—a stark contrast to the five annual episodes she previously endured. She highlights that the mental health aspect of her journey has been paramount, providing stability and strength.
Now, Juliet averages 30,000 steps daily and 50,000 on weekends, often walking around London with her son, Harry Stebbings. Their bond inspired the ambitious challenge of covering four marathon distances in four days, which captivated public imagination and led to the substantial fundraising total.
Charity Support Extends to Families
Juliet chose MS-UK for its unique approach to supporting not only individuals with MS but also their families and friends. "When you're diagnosed with a disease like this, it's very scary, and very frightening," she says, noting that loved ones often lack guidance on how to cope. MS-UK offers a free Helpline, information resources, and online peer support, providing a lifeline for her teenage sons, parents, and sister.
"What I love about MS-UK is that my family all had a lifeline in that they could call and get help from this charity, too," Juliet shares. "They learned how to help me as well as help themselves." She asserts that this support is as crucial as medical treatment, underscoring its importance for mental well-being.
Inspiring a Global Audience
Harry Stebbings, known for his popular podcast The Twenty Minute VC, has leveraged his platform to amplify their cause. His connection to MS has resonated with followers worldwide, many of whom have been inspired by Juliet's story. "He gets lots of feedback from people around the world diagnosed with MS themselves who say reading about his mother has inspired them—which is just amazing for me to read," Juliet remarks.
This heartfelt initiative not only raises vital funds for MS-UK but also shines a light on the power of community and perseverance in the face of chronic illness.
