“I thought everything about me was being taken away – but I found myself again”: Marie’s story for MS Awareness Week
When Marie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 49, life changed almost overnight.
Now 52 and living in Exeter, Marie had initially believed her symptoms were migraines and vertigo. When the diagnosis came, it brought fear, uncertainty and a deep sense of loss.
“I wasn’t able to leave the house,” she says. “I lost my job because of the amount of time I was off sick. I couldn’t drive anymore. It felt like everything that made me me was being taken away.”
Marie spent months at home, struggling not just physically, but emotionally too. Depression crept in as her independence disappeared. For someone who had always worked in physically demanding roles – first in the NHS and later as a funeral director – being unable to move freely or work was devastating.
“I was just sat in the house, not being able to do anything. It wasn’t a good time at all.”
Taking a first step – and almost turning back
A friend told Marie about the Centre, but walking through the door for the first time wasn’t easy.
“I was so nervous I actually walked in… and walked straight back out again.”
But Marie returned – and that decision became a turning point. She began attending the Centre regularly for oxygen therapy and physiotherapy, determined to try anything that might help her take back some control.
“My theory was: I’ll do whatever I can for myself, alongside medication. Why not try?”
The team took time to explain every step, answering questions and helping Marie feel at ease. That reassurance made all the difference.
“I went into the chamber for the first time not worried at all.”
Small changes, big impact
The first thing Marie noticed was her fatigue.
“My fatigue started to dissipate. I felt more energetic, my brain fog improved and I could concentrate more.”
But the impact went far beyond physical symptoms. At a time when Marie wasn’t leaving the house at all, coming to the Centre three times a week reconnected her with the world.
“It gave me a reason to go out. I was seeing people again. Socially, it helped hugely.”
Being around others who understood life with MS helped Marie feel less alone.
“Talking to people who are in the same place as you – it really helps. You laugh, you support each other. It’s not all doom and gloom.”
Finding strength again
When Marie first arrived at the Centre, she could barely walk. After 12 months at home, she relied heavily on walking aids and furniture for balance.
Through physiotherapy, gym sessions and Pilates classes, things slowly began to change.
“I’ve gone from walking with aids to walking indoors without them. I don’t have to wall-walk anymore. That feels… normal again. Whatever normal is.”
Her balance and pain are still daily challenges, but the progress has restored confidence and independence – and with it, joy.
Friendship, purpose and family
MS also changed Marie’s social world. When she had to leave work, many old friendships quietly faded.
“You think people will keep in touch, but when you’re not working with them anymore, they drift away. It was lonely for a while.”
At the Centre, Marie found her tribe. Coffee catch-ups turned into close friendships – people who truly understand.
“I’ve got friends again now. Really close friends.”
That renewed strength has flowed into family life too. Today, Marie can enjoy time with her grandchildren in ways that once felt impossible.
“I can go for short walks with them now. I couldn’t do that before. Being able to go out with them instead of staying at home – that means everything.”
A message for others living with MS
Marie is honest about the journey. There’s no single solution, but she believes in exploring what might help.
“Look for what you can do for yourself. Find information. Find people. Find your tribe.”
Her advice on oxygen therapy is simple:
“Give it time. Don’t try it once or twice and give up. You might not notice straight away – but I did.”
And to anyone feeling nervous about walking through the Centre doors for the first time?
“Don’t be. Even if you just come in for a coffee, someone will talk to you, put the kettle on, make you feel welcome.”
Why support matters
The Centre is run entirely by donations and supported by dedicated volunteers.
“We couldn’t do it without them,” Marie says. “The staff have helped me endlessly – not just here, but at home too. I’m so grateful.”
This MS Awareness Week, Marie hopes her story shows what community, support and understanding can make possible.
“I don’t think I’d have made it through as well as I have without this place and the people in it.”
Support people like Marie
This MS Awareness Week, please consider supporting the Centre through donating, volunteering or choosing us as your charity of the year. Your support changes lives.