A YOUNG carer from Camelford has completed the MS Walk, organised by the MS Society, with her inspiration and fellow young carer Oritsé Williams. The pair walked together in support of their mums who both live with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Olivia Ferguson, 14, lives with her mum Kirsty and two older brothers. On Sunday, she completed a 10km route along the River Thames with her mum, and singer Oritsé and his family by her side. Olivia and her mum raised £220 for the challenge, which will go towards supporting people with MS to live independent and fulfilling lives and helping fund innovative research to stop MS.

The teenager started caring for her mum six years ago when she was first diagnosed with MS. She cooks, cleans and also helps her mum dress, wash and move around. Earlier this year Olivia started a blog called ‘The Odd Pigeon’, which she says has helped her cope with the added responsibilities of her mum’s MS, she said: “I love sharing my experiences through my blog, venting my emotions and spreading awareness for MS and young carers. I’m very passionate about both causes, and aim to give young carers, like me, a voice.”

More than 100,000 people live with MS in the UK. It’s really unpredictable and different for everyone — one day you can be fine, the next you might lose your sight or be unable to move. People typically start experiencing symptoms in their 20s and 30s, which can include fatigue, vision problems or difficulties with walking.

Throughout Olivia’s time caring for her mum, she’s always looked up to former JLS star Oritsé — he cared for his mum as a teenager. She said: “He’s just like me. He cared for his mum with MS. His integrity and his selfless heart have got me through the darkest times.

“He helped me through it, and when I was sad and felt so tied down I could barely breath, their music provided me with a comfort blanket.”

Earlier this year she wrote to Oritsé and in June he paid her a surprise visit on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ show. She said it was like a dream come true to finally meet someone who understood everything she was going through, and it’s meant even more to have him join her in the walk this weekend: “We have so much in common in terms of our lives and caring, which has motivated me to continue what I am doing.

“Having Oritsé join us in the MS Walk meant the world to me! He’s been my motivation for so many years, and now I feel like I have a friend for life. Being able to share this experience with him and his mum Sonia was so lovely!”

In speaking about doing the MS Walk on Sunday, Oritsé Williams said: “I really enjoyed doing the MS Walk with my mum again this year. As an MS Society Ambassador, it’s really important for me to do what I can to raise awareness of MS, and help fund potentially life-changing research. This year’s challenge was extra special because we got to share that experience with Livvy and her mum.”

For advice, information about MS and support visit www.mssociety.org.uk or call the MS Society’s free helpline on 0808 800 8000