Mark's Story

Mark's Story

I play wheelchair rugby badly, but it doesn't stop me loving it.

Mark’s multiple sclerosis (MS) has been progressing for several years, now to the point where he is in a wheelchair for the majority of the time. But his unwavering spirit continues to shine through, whether he’s having a laugh with his kids and wife or is raising awareness of MS with the aid of his colourful hair and brightly coloured outfits. Due to his condition advancing, Mark’s had to find new ways to do the things he loves with his family, like finding wheelchair friendly routes for their regular walks in the woods.

I try to talk really positively about MS - it's what I've got, there's not going to be a cure tomorrow. I feel like I've got to accept it and so to speak, roll with it.

I get around mostly in a wheelchair, as much as I can, I'm still walking with my Walker/Rollater.

I play wheelchair rugby badly, but it doesn't stop me loving it.

At home, I exercise as much as I can - I lie in bed lifting weights while I'm watching telly. The longer I can keep active I feel healthier in myself, not just because more muscles still work, I just feel better about myself.

I'm a very proud family man - I've got a loving wife, I've got two great children, and I'm grateful that I'm actually able to spend more if different times with my kids.

They love it because basically I'm a sitting target. But one little advantage - when I get hit, don't feel a thing.

How Mark Gets Moving


A few years ago, Mark joined a wheelchair rugby team for people with a range of health conditions and disabilities and has enjoyed it ever since. He loves the team aspect of the sport as much as he loves his teammates themselves. He jokes that although he is the slowest on the team, they welcomed him with open arms. When Mark isn’t playing with his team, he gets his two boys involved in their garden at home. Sometimes they borrow his spare wheelchair to play ball games at home or have epic Nerf battles, which they all enjoy immensely.

Related Resources

Here are some resources related to Mark's story about moving more:

Multiple Sclerosis Society | Staying Active