A trip to Russia is top of Tain woman Michele Murrays Christmas wish list for 2020.

But the mother-of-two has a more serious reason to visit the country rather than just a holiday trip.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 15 years and is now desperate to undergo groundbreaking treatment available to her in Russia but which she cannot access in the UK.

Michele (46) launched a 42,000 fundraising drive at the start of September and it is already going well so her hopes of achieving her goal next year are high.

She said: My fundraiser currently stands at 15,000 and I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated. The amount given is really staggering.

Michele had to retire from her job as a secretary eight years ago after her condition took a turn for the worse.

At present I use a walking stick, rollator and wheelchair, she said. I have fatigue, muscle spasms, balance problems and weakness in my legs and arms. My MS is getting worse all the time and I feel that if I dont do something now, it will be too late.

It is such an invisible disease. I look fine on the outside, however on the inside my immune system is attacking my central nervous system and causing scarring on my brain/spinal column.

She only recently heard about Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT), a treatment designed to stop MS in its tracks.

A high dose of chemotherapy is used to kill off my existing failing immune system. she said. My stem cells will then be re-infused to build a brand new immune system free of MS.

The treatment is available in the UK but Michelle does not fit the criteria and to access it privately is costly. However the National Pirogov Medical Centre Russiain Moscow offers HSCT for 42,000.

I hope I will be able to get this life-changing treatment so I can have a better quality of life., said Michelle.

She has been organising various fundraisers and on Saturday, December 28 , RythmnReel will play at the Duthac Centre, Tain, with all proceeds going to help send her to Russia.

To make a donation, visit Go Fund Me and search for Michele Murray.

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Joy as funding rises for Moscow treatment trip - Northern Times