Climbing for a cure: Mum of three with MS to climb Himalayan peak

In October, Jen Willis, a 50-year-old mum of three living with MS, will embark on a 51-day expedition to the Himalayas, where she will summit Mera Peak (6476m) and then Ama Dablam (6,812m), to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research and the Forum for the Welfare of Himalayan Children.

“Having MS has motivated me to get going and realise my childhood dream of becoming a mountaineer. Through this amazing adventure and by raising funds to help others, I am also finding a great sense of purpose in living with MS,” Jen says.

Jen’s journey from early symptoms to an actual diagnosis spanned more than a decade. When a neurologist suggested that she may have MS back in 2008, she decided then that one day she would climb a ‘really big mountain’ to raise awareness and fundraise to help those living with the condition.

In 2018, Jen was officially diagnosed but in early 2021 her MS started progressing. Jen’s neurologist advised that if she were to do nothing new, she could be in a wheelchair within three to four years. Jen realised this was the moment to pursue her dream, so at the end of 2021 she left her job as principal of a small primary school to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Jen has faced many challenges as she navigates work and parenting with MS, ranging from symptoms such as extreme dizziness and fatigue, burning sensations throughout her body and cognitive impacts.

However, her positivity, ambition and sense of adventure override these challenges, and Jen is set to truly achieve something extraordinary as she takes on this high-altitude adventure, one that few people would even contemplate, let alone with MS!

To learn more about Jen’s story, upcoming expedition and to donate visit Jen’s website: helpcurems.com You can also follow Jen’s adventure via her Facebook page MS Adventure: facebook.com/HelpCureMultipleSclerosis