Multiple-sclerosis sufferer Susie Simons is determined to help others in a similar position. The 30-year-old mother-of-two was diagnosed with MS - an auto-immune disease that affects the central nervous system - aged 20. She is partially sighted as a result of the condition.
Mrs Simons is now recruiting members for a new Jewish Care group that supports young adults living with MS. She tells People: "Physically, I look fine, but as I tell my three-year-old, my eyes are broken. Ten years ago I had a car crash and three days later I was paralysed. I should never have got in the car that day. I didn't feel quite right. It was probably the beginning of MS that caused the crash."
She was then diagnosed but only told her closest friends and family. She says that she and her husband Stefan were both initially in denial until they attended a recently launched support group. "The first time we went along I was in tears, then we both laughed. It was a turning point."
She adds: "Some people say that MS has ruined their lives, but not me. It is a sad thing that has happened but it's not going to stop my life from being good.
"I was told not to have another child, but we still went ahead. Someone comes to help me with housework and my friends are brilliant."
Mrs Simons runs the playgroup at her local synagogue in Mill Hill, North London. "I feel so strongly about spreading the word. My message for other people who are diagnosed with MS is to keep positive and not be afraid to admit that you need extra support. I hope that other young families who are struggling with similar issues can come together for friendship and support."
Mrs Simons lives with her husband Stefan and their children, Daniel, three, and Hannah, one.
