I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis aged 28, in 2008, and since then have become a leading and award-winning advocate for people with MS/chronic illness/disability, using my experiences to help others, largely through charitable work.
I’m a full-time translator but in my spare time collaborate with organisations in the UK and abroad, including MS Society (Ambassador), Sue Ryder, the Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (Patron), the Cambridge MS Therapy Centre (Patron), Asian MS (Newsletter Editor and Committee member), the MS Trust, MS-UK, the European MS Platform, Disability Horizons, the Patient Information Forum, and various pharmaceutical companies, among others, to raise awareness about MS/chronic illness, improve support for people living with chronic illness/disability, and improve patient and volunteer engagement.
I speak at events and in the media about issues affecting people with MS/chronic illness/disability, campaign, write, vlog, blog, advise on health projects/research studies and educate pharmaceutical staff and healthcare professionals about living with MS/chronic illness. I’m on the steering committee for the The World vs MS Project run by Sanofi Genzyme, as well as being a member of “The Ozone” virtual round table for key opinion leaders across healthcare specialties by Oyster Healthcare. In 2015 I put MS on the national map by appearing in the first ever “People’s Strictly for Comic Relief” on BBC1, a four-part Strictly Come Dancing spin-off, in recognition of my charity work. I’m regularly asked to speak at conferences and workshops on topics ranging from living with chronic illness, improving patient engagement and volunteering.
I’ve been pioneering within the Asian community, where chronic illness/disability (especially for women) is still not talked about openly.
My charitable work has had a profound impact on the world of MS, particularly when it comes to increasing understanding and showing people how living a positive life is possible with chronic illness.