Oliver races for MS awareness

OLIVER Sinclair, a Waterfall resident, will be racing the 35km fun ride at the Amashova Durban Classic on Sunday 13 October to raise awareness and funds for the multiple sclerosis (MS) foundation.

MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting bodily sensations, movement and functions. MS causes the body’s own immune system (white blood cells) to attack the body’s healthy cells. The disorder can affect anyone at anytime. The amazing part of this story is that Sinclair, a retired game ranger, was diagnosed with MS in 2004.

“I went on holiday and woke up one morning with a numb face. When I returned I went to see a neurologist. I remember seeing the results on his desk after he had done an MRI scan. The results were inconclusive, but presented three possible outcomes. One, I had suffered a stroke. Two, I had a brain tumour. Or three, I had multiple sclerosis,” said Sinclair.

Two weeks after Sinclair’s appointment with the neurologist he had another attack. He lost his ability to speak, bodily function from the waist down and he developed double vision. After additional MRI scans, a painful lumbar puncture and numerous other tests it was confirmed that Sinclair had MS.

“Over time I regained my ability to speak and the feeling has returned in my legs, but I still have double vision,” said Sinclair.

Six years after Sinclair was diagnosed with MS his disorder progressed into a new phase. He no longer completely recovers from attacks and the right side of his body does not function properly. Sinclair cannot move his foot properly and his fist is clenched, so he had to learn to write with his left hand.

After Sinclair was diagnosed with MS, his life became all about finding the right medicine.

“Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS. Medicine can only slow it down. The medicine also has side effects, especially my old medication, which left me feeling drowsy and completely exhausted the next day,” said Sinclair.

The medication also suppresses the body’s immune system, which means that the body is vulnerable to various germs, viruses and diseases.

Sinclair has recently started using a new medication which has not yielded any side effects.

“For a long time I did not really talk about my diagnoses and my battle with MS. My immediate family knew. With my renewed energy and the progression of my disorder I arrived at a stage where I had to start talking about my condition, but the more I talked about it the more I realised that there needed to be more discourse and awareness regarding MS. Initially I struggled to find a platform,” said Sinclair.

“At first we started raising funds with small businesses, and they would ask customers to donate funds towards the MS foundation. We realised that raising funds is not impossible and we decided to tackle the Amashova challenge,” said Sinclair.

Sinclair has recruited over 50 cyclists to join him and his wife, Michelle, on the Amashova race. The cyclists, who have been sponsored by various organisations to tackle the race, have thus far raised R50 000. All of the funds will be donated to the MS foundation.

“We would like to thank all of the sponsors who have donated funds to our cause,” said Sinclair.