Dean Reilly had no idea how his life would change when he was told he had multiple sclerosis – but giving up was never an option.
He was given the diagnosis aged just 32 after suffering from a painful eye and sore limbs. Dean, now 36, promised himself that he would never give in to the cruel condition and remains determined to live life to the full.
He has since participated in a number of gruelling challenges including the London Marathon, raising more than £100,000 for charity.
Dean, who is raising three boys alone, has also penned an emotional open letter about his battle with MS.
He said: “When I found out I had MS it was a massive shock. An MRI scan confirmed it and I thought to myself, ‘It’s either fight or flight’. I have three kids and I want to be a role model for them. If they ever come across something difficult in life, I want them to know that they don’t just have to sit back and accept it, they can deal with anything, no matter what.
“I’m not going to let MS beat me. I might be tired and I might be sore but I won’t give up. I want to let people know that MS doesn’t define me. Initially, I wrote the letter to have a bit of a rant to myself but I hope it inspires people to keep going no matter how hard things may be.”
MS is a lifelong condition that affects the central nervous system. It impacts every patient in different ways and symptoms can vary daily.
Dean, from Edinburgh, suffers badly from pain in his hands and feet but it hasn’t stopped him completing six marathons and helping to refurbish the MS Therapy Centre Lothian in his home city.
He was also invited to No10 by the prime minister in recognition of his fundraising efforts. Dean, who is a trustee of the MS Therapy Centre, said: “MS just does what it wants to your body so I decided I’m going to make memories while I can. I’m a big unit and running was something I never thought I’d do.
“After my diagnosis I took part in my first 10k, raising more than £800, and that spurred me on to do more.
“Sometimes I have to use a wheelchair and I suffer from terrible pain in my hands and feet that can be so severe I struggle to put socks on.
“Even buttoning my shirt has become difficult but I refuse to feel sorry for myself.
“I don’t have time for MS right now. I’m too busy fundraising and helping other people come to terms with it.”
Dean’s dedication has seen him nominated as Fundraising Hero at the Daily Record Our Heroes Awards. He said: “It’s a real honour and one I never expected. I want to do all I can to help find a cure for this horrible illness.”
Dean admits he does worry about the future but is determined to be positive. He said: “It sounds dramatic but I’m fighting for my life. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by great people and have an amazing medical team who help me a lot.
“It’s scary and the future is unknown. I could be well today but not tomorrow. That’s the reality for anyone though, not just someone with MS. At times I’m scared of what’s going to happen but I acknowledge the fear and let it pass. A positive outlook can be difficult in the initial stages but you can still fill your life with amazing things and have the courage to do them right away rather than put them off.”
Dean’s Letter
Dear MS ,
All right mate, it’s Dean here, the big guy from Edinburgh you decided to pick on about four years ago.
When you first came into my life I thought you were going to wreck my body and mind, and ultimately be the end of me.
There have been times in our journey when I had given up. I felt there was no point fighting you. But I’m still here – and I’m still fighting.
I might lose the odd day or two but I will keep going.
I can feel the changes, I can feel you getting stronger every day. I could drop and let you slowly take over but I simply won’t let that happen.
I’m going to tell everyone that will listen exactly what you do, how you do it and what they can do to help fight against you.
It’s been an incredible journey so far. I’ve won medals, raised masses of money and met some incredible people and the scary thing is I have you to thank for it all.
Without you I would never have done a single marathon or been invited to Downing Street.
Thank you for making me strong and making me realise I can do anything I want to.
You see, I’ve got you sussed. You only have power over me and others when we are scared, embarrassed, sad and alone.
Will I make it to marathon No9? Who knows but I’m going to try.
We are all coming for you, and we will win, maybe not today or tomorrow or even next week, but I promise one day we will beat you.
Until that day, all the best MS.
You can learn more about Dean and his fundraising events on his Facebook page .
And find out how Dean’s local youth football development team, Castlevale Youth Development Club , is getting kids off the streets and onto the pitch.
The Daily Record Our Heroes Awards, sponsored by Utilita Energy, honours ordinary people who do extraordinary things. We want you to tell us who deserves to be recognised.
Head of communications at Utilita Energy Jem Maidment said: “This wonderful event shines a light on Scotland’s unsung heroes. We look forward to hearing about more incredible people in the coming weeks.”
The ceremony will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, on May 19. For tickets and sponsorship, contact Debbie Caldwell – email debbie.caldwell@trinitymirror.com, phone 0141 309 1475 – or visit www.dailyrecordourheroes.co.uk
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