Dive to Fight MS - Mike Parker

An illustrated banner that says "Dive to Fight MS" and depicts a man skydiving.

Mike Parker is a 40-year-old family man, living in Lincolnshire, England. Mike loves to joke, supports West Ham United, and jam to 80s rock music. Since his multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in August 2022, he’s found new hobbies like gardening and going to the gym, and he’s taken up a coffee habit to get him through the symptoms. He’s also taken up podcasting and social media as awareness outlets for sharing his journey. His mantra is, “I’ve got MS, MS doesn’t have me.”

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Who knew that zip lines are a way to give back to the MS community?

Given how much my life has changed because of multiple sclerosis (MS), anytime an opportunity arises for me to support an MS charity, I jump at the chance — figuratively, of course. I recently learned that the MS Society UK is organizing another of its zip line…

MS patient Mike Parker in front of a wooded area with a river.

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I’m struggling with mental health as MS causes major life changes

Because multiple sclerosis (MS) has changed much of my life in a short amount of time, I’m now fighting mental health issues. Things have been especially tough since the start of the new year. Usually, I’d spend January working, planning holiday time, and looking at my calendar to…

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The perfect response: Endless support after my diagnosis of MS

When my general practitioner first spoke about the possibility of a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in February 2022, I walked out of his office. I broke down in tears; I was terrified. At that instant, my first thought was, “OK, so how long do I have left?”…

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To obtain an MS diagnosis, I had to overcome my MRI phobia

Many years ago, I had an MRI scan on my right knee, and it didn’t go well. In fact, panic set in when I first looked at the scanner, as the tube seemed small. After I lay down and the operator started moving the table, I faced a…

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How I kept going after a discouraging diagnosis of MS

Let me introduce myself: I’m Mike, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to share my story. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in August 2022. Since then, a lot has changed, including the loss of a 20-year career, worsening mobility problems, and the start of…

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Dragged into my MS diagnosis, but now jumping for a cure: Part 4

Multiple Sclerosis News Today has been chronicling MS advocate and podcaster Mike Parker’s journey leading up to a skydiving jump he made on Oct. 29 to benefit the MS Society U.K. Learn more about Mike at mikesmsjourney.com. You can also donate to his fundraiser.  Last…


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