An Edinburgh woman living with Multiple Sclerosis is pushing herself to the limit to buy a 'miracle' treadmill that could change the lives of hundreds of Scots.
Jeanette Russell, who has been living with the neurological condition for the last 10 years, is taking on a three peak challenge to raise £40,000. The 'anti-gravity' machine, which uses NASA technology, helps wheelchair-bound users to walk a short distance with aids and will be used at the Compass Centre in Edinburgh.
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The 56-year-old ex-RAF nurse counts herself "fortunate" to be still mobile and independent with support and medication, so is stepping out to help those more affected. Jeanette has so far taken on Arthur's Seat and the Cairngorm summit this month as part of the three peak challenge and will complete the Lost Valley in October.
She was inspired to take on the challenge after being 'blown away' by a video of disabled man Chris Andrews walking again thanks to the machine.
She told the Record: "Chris was wheelchair bound but he is now able to walk from his bedroom to the bathroom. It's amazing!
"You only use 5% of your body weight when you're on the anti-gravity treadmill. It was developed by NASA to help astronauts who've lost muscle tone when they come back from space. It's now been discovered it can do amazing things for disabled people.
"What has stood out to me the most is the boost it has given his mental wellbeing. Depression and low moods is something I struggle with and it will help so many people with their mental health when their mobility is improved."
Jeanette was working for Edinburgh City Council in Health and Social care, Learning Disabilities in 2012 when she first realised there was a problem. After doctors initially thought a work injury was due to a trapped nerve in her neck, a neurologist feared she may have MS when Jeanette explained symptoms of tingling in her legs.
It wasn't until two years later that she was officially diagnosed with the disease. By then Jeanette says she had 'become disabled down the left side of her body.
Jeanette started taking Disease Modifying Drugs (DMD) eight years ago and her MS is now being controlled, although she is now medically retired having being unable to continue working.
She continued: "I suspected three years ago that I would be in a wheelchair very soon, as I had difficulty with walking, personal care and cooking. I had to rely on Fiona my wife for most things, as my legs kept giving way with no warning and would be numb for up to five minutes.
"I have to take each day as it comes. I have to pace myself and take several rest breaks during the day. l get fatigued easily, especially with heat, my legs can become weak and I have to lower myself to the floor quickly.
"Other times l have no warning and I go down like a puppet having its strings cut. I have to rely on Fiona to cook, help with personal care when having a bad day. I'm in constant pain, bladder issues, fall's and walking can look like l am drunk when not."
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Adding: "I have had to miss family and friends events due to fatigue. I get dizziness and vertigo, depression and low moods, but I don't ever give up trying to be independent.
"It was 27 °C when going up Arthur's Seat and it took me five and hours as I has used all my energy going up. It takes me a while to recover but I have a geo suit (normally used by athletes) that helps me so much.
"I feel very fortunate because there are a lot more MS suffers worse off than and that's who I'm thinking about when I'm trying to get up those mountains. This outstanding machine could be life-changing for so many."
You can donate to Jeanette's fundraiser here.
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