‘Walking has given me the self-esteem I need’

For 59-year-old nearly half his life, Andrew Blacker from Ipswich has suffered from multiple sclerosis. But his daily

‘hobble’ has added up to hundreds of miles – enabling him to improve his health and raise £10,000 for good causes. ‘I’ve had multiple sclerosis for 28 years. On diagnosis I asked the consultant if I would ever play rugby again. He said, “It depends how much you want to.” The words stayed with me. I’m the chair of local charity Suffolk Help In Multiple Sclerosis, and raise funds for them and other local charities. I’m only able to move a few metres without walking aids – walking sticks and splint – but I felt ‘hobbling’ was a good way to go. I’m only able to hobble two miles in 1¾ hours, and stumble regularly, falling occasionally! But it’s added up to 700 miles so far, and the public are magnificent. There’s a group of lorry drivers who, like many, flash the lights, sound the air horn and wave while I’m hobbling. They clubbed together and put £265 into the charity fund. The support from the public, both with fundraising and from passers-by, is so uplifting. Walking has given me the self-esteem I need, and my challenge has become a massive part of my life. It isn’t easy, but like anything that you repeat regularly, it improves, and it’s become a great motivator for me. Since starting I’ve improved my overall fitness and strength – both mental and physical – and I’ve lost loads of weight. My determination to succeed grows all the time!’