منشور ‏Gemma Rafferty‏ ‏‏

I know lots of people absolutely love this weather, but as someone living with Multiple Sclerosis, this UK heat wave and I are definitely not besties. ☀️🥵😂 If I was lying beside a swimming pool somewhere gorgeous with a cocktail in hand, I think I'd cope with the heat just fine… 😂 Unfortunately, reality is a little less glamorous! For many people with MS, heat sensitivity is a real thing. Even a small increase in body temperature can temporarily make symptoms worse, leaving us feeling exhausted, foggy and generally struggling more than usual. Add to that the fact that our office is basically a giant greenhouse (all windows and absolutely no air con 😅), these temperatures will be a bit of a challenge. That's why I wanted to give a huge shout out and thank you to my lovely manager Laura Preston DipRM, who has been incredibly understanding and has allowed me to work from the comfort of home while the UK is currently resembling the Costa del Sol! Being able to sit in front of my fan, regulate my temperature and avoid melting into a dramatic little puddle means I can continue doing my job comfortably without compromising my health. It's easy to underestimate how much a little flexibility and understanding can mean, but for people living with long-term conditions, these adjustments make such a difference. Feeling supported at work isn't something I take for granted, and I'm really grateful to work with people who genuinely care. Now, if anyone knows where I can find the swimming pool and cocktail that should've come with this weather, please let me know… And to my fellow MS warriors trying to survive this heat wave… keep those fans on, keep topping up on the ice lollies, and remember we're all in this sweaty little adventure together! 😂🍦☀️ #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness #FlexibleWorking #WorkplaceWellbeing #EmployeeWellbeing #DisabilityInclusion #MSTrust #MSSociety