Angela's Story

My name is Angela Evans and on the 19^th February 2010, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Most people would be confused if they heard that I had MS but it's true. In May 2009, I started to experience problems like having really bad headaches that regular painkillers wouldn’t get rid of. Then in June 2009, I was referred to a paediatrician in Kingston hospital and she referred me to have an MRI. The MRI showed that I had ‘white spots’ on my brain. When I found out that I had ‘white spots’ on my brain, all that I could think I had was a brain tumour and I was absolutely terrified. I was then referred to a neurologist in St Georges Hospital in November 2009 and I was admitted into St Georges Hospital to undergo tests such as lumber puncture, VER, neurological assessments and a lot of blood tests. I could say that this is one of the most painful experiences I have been through in my entire life and I could honestly say that I thought I was going to die.

When my neurologist said he couldn’t tell what was wrong with me, I was devastated as I thought I was going to be ill for the rest of my life without being treated. From there, I was referred again to see a specialist in Evelina’s Children Hospital in London in February 2010. My specialist then told me I had Multiple Sclerosis and that I was an unusual case. When I found out I had Multiple Sclerosis, it was a relief for me because I was finally diagnosed with something and I was no longer worried about what I had. Currently, Multiple Sclerosis is not curable but I’m determined to get through it. I was so determined that I did a skydive for charity.

For so long, I have been such a strong person in terms of not letting my MS beat me but in 2011 I started to feel like I couldn’t carry on. I was then referred to see a lady called Bianca and she was so lovely when I met her. My confidence level was low at the time and Bianca from Momentum wanted to get my confidence back up. Momentum then treated me and a friend to go and see Mamma Mia! and my friend and I love the theatre. Momentum even surprised me by travelling up in style by going in a limo and meeting the cast of Mamma Mia! and from there, my confidence level has gone up.

Momentum to me is not just a charity but it’s like family as all of the staff has supported me and my family so much.