Hampton Magna mum prepares for Snowdon climb ahead of MS diagnosis

Pictured: Anna Garratt and friends, who are preparing to climb Snowdon for charity. Anna is doing the climb because it looks like she is soon to be diagnosed with MS so wants to do as many things like this as possible while she still can. NNL-170322-002948009

A woman from Hampton Magna who expects to be diagnosed with MS this year will be taking on Snowdon to raise money for the MS Trust.

Anna Garratt, who is 30 years old, is expecting to be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) later this year.

In October 2016, the mum-of-three, was admitted to hospital after experiencing numbness in her legs. After an MRI scan and tests she was told that she was showing signs of MS.

Mrs Garratt, who has three daughters aged one, three and six, said: “I had it in the back of my head when I had the first symptoms that it could be MS but I didn’t think it would actually be that.

“It was such a huge shock. MS is often drawn out to officially diagnose and it cannot be put ‘on paper’ until a second attack is experienced.

“Due to changes since October and new symptoms it is expected that I will receive this diagnosis at my next MRI in May/June. I have three little kids and it is so horrible and it is life changing.”

Because of her expected diagnosis, Mrs Garratt has decided to climb Snowdon to help raise money for the MS Trust and to make her children proud.

She said: “The MS Trust were really supportive when I contacted then about fundraising and they gave me ideas and support for the event.

“It is hard to explain in words how terrifying and devastating this experience has been. Any parent will understand that my girls are on my mind every second of every day. I decided quite early on that I had to make them proud and I really wanted, and needed, to do things in my life that were worthwhile, fun and exciting.

“My family and friends have been massively supportive and two of my friends gave me that push to do this.”

“At the moment we have got 50 people confirmed for the climb who are all friends and family. It will be nice to do this with a group of friends and family and for a good cause. But I have got in the back of my head that I don’t know how long I am going to be able to do things like this for.

“I am hoping to raise at least £3,000 and I have asked everyone taking part to raise £100 individually but I am hoping we can get it up to £5,000.”

To those in a similar situation to her, Mrs Garratt said: “Let yourself have the bad days and then pick yourself back up. It is important to not focus on what is going to happen in the future.

“I feel like I am enjoying life more now as I am more grateful now.

“It is important to let yourself feel the emotions you are going to feel but pick yourself back up and carry on.”

To donate to Mrs Garratt’s fundraising page click here.