Jess de Caso is walking for her mum, who was diagnosed with MS in 2012
A Manchester student has spoken out about her ‘strong and resilient’ mum who has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) for over a decade.
Jess de Caso, 21, who is in her final year studying Physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University, will join hundreds of people of Saturday, May 9, to walk 20km for the MS Society’s flagship fundraising event, MS Walk. She is taking part alongside her friend Claudia to raise money and awareness for the condition that has affected her family since she was a child.
Jess, originally from Stoke on Trent, is walking in support of her mum, Vicky, who was diagnosed with MS in 2012 when Jess was just seven years old.
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She said: “My friend Claudia and I are walking for my mum, who lived with MS. She’s one of the strongest, funniest and most quietly resilient people I know.
“Seeing the way she handles the day-to-day realities of MS has shaped so much for who I am. Taking part in MS Walk feels like a way to honour her; to show her how much I admire her and to stand alongside everyone affected effected by MS.
“It’s also my way of giving something back to the community that has supported families like mine for so long. There’s something really powerful about turning all the emotions you feel when connected with someone living with MS; love, frustration and hope, into something positive. This is my first ever MS Walk. It already feels really special. I’m feeling a mix of excitement, nerves and a lot of pride.”
Reflecting on growing up with her mum’s diagnosis, Jess said: “I remember I struggled a bit growing up. I would get annoyed when my mum read to me because she would slur her words. I just didn’t understand what was going on. On holidays she would be affected a lot by the heat so we’d have to take a lot of breaks.
“I remember just wanting to protect her as I got older. I never wanted to go to school as I wanted to stay home and look after her. I’m now writing my dissertation on diagnosing MS, it’s something that’s impacted my life and shaped what I want to do with my future.”
6,200 in Greater Manchester living with MS
MS Walk has been taking place in the UK for more than a decade and brings together communities across the UK to raise awareness and funds for research and to support everyone that suffers from MS. In 2026, MS Walk events will take place in Manchester, Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff and London, with routes designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities.
More than 150,000 people in the UK are living with MS, with around 135 new diagnoses every week. In Greater Manchester alone, it is estimated that approximately 6,200 people are living with the condition. MS affects the brain and spinal cord, which impacts how people move, think and feel. MS is a lifelong condition with no cure, although treatments can help manage symptoms.
The MS Society is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by MS and they have been at the forefront of support, research and campaigning for 70 years to improve people affected by the condition. Across the country, the society’s local group help bring people together to reduce isolation, offer events and exercise classes. The society offers free emotional support and information to anyone affected by MS including benefits and legal advice.
Mark Haymes, Head of Community and Events Fundraising at MS Society, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Jess and everyone taking part in MS Walk this year. The event is all about community. There’s no better feeling than seeing friends and families come together to support people living with MS.”
To donate, or see more information about MS, their research support or campaigns, visit: www.mssociety.org.uk
Places are still available for the MS Walk Manchester, with participants able to sign up at the start line on the day. For more information visit: www.mssociety.org.uk/mswalk.


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