Evolution Stories: MS Makes Me

Watch 'MS Makes Me'

In this short film, Andy McKenna explores the Tweed Valley with first-time mountain biker Jonny White. Cyclist, husband, father, doctor and fellow MSer, Jonny balances all these things with his role as medical advisor at Overcoming MS. The Overcoming MS Program promotes a positive lifestyle and helps people with MS live long, healthy lives, which is a lifestyle Andy and Jonny are thankful to have found.

In the workshop, on the trails and over the finest cup of trailside coffee, the pair talk about some of the ways they manage the disabling effects of MS, the lessons MS has taught them, and the realisation that what they’ve learned may be equally important to everyone, not just those affected by multiple sclerosis.

Jonny and Andy are who they are because of MS and the outlook, lifestyle changes and holistic strategies that Overcoming MS has helped them realise. More than simply a pill or an injection, their lives are shaped – and they believe saved – by a set of changes that help the healing power of the mind and body to work together.

We are so grateful to Andy for shining a light on the Overcoming MS Program through this powerful film.

A tale of change and adaptation through the Overcoming MS Program

This short film takes a deep dive into the therapeutic effects of escaping everyday life and spending time outside in nature for your mental health. In this episode, we also meet Jonny’s wife, Jenny. Ably guided by Andy’s wife Aneela, through them both we see another dimension of the uncertain story they find themselves scripted into.

This is a gentle tale of change and adaptation – two of the most predictably unpredictable themes of life, right? The familiar saying of ‘man conquers all in the face of adversity’ doesn’t particularly apply to this story.

Finding resilience isn’t always easy: MS never stops. But like many people facing difficult challenges, Andy and Jonny keep going, keep finding the positives and focusing on ways to look after themselves, support their wellbeing and supporting those around them, because that’s where they’ll find the fuel to fight another day.

Photo credit: Andy McClandish

Ready Andy's blog: “I want to remind people with MS to hold onto their passions”

We caught up with Andy to find out more about what went on behind the scenes and why ‘MS Makes Me’ carries such an important message for people with MS.

What made you invite Jonny to take part in your ‘Evolution Stories’ series?

I owe much of the important people and moments in my life to cycling and mountain bikes. From being a hobby sparked when I was a teenager, to adventures around the world and a (former) career as a professional mountain biking guide – the ‘Evolution Stories’ series is my attempt to explore what makes cycling such an essential thing for others too. At the same time, I wanted to uncover the odd bit of wisdom or perspective that might help someone in whatever challenges they are facing. 

After seeing and hearing Jonny speaking on webinars and podcast episodes on the Overcoming MS website and learning he was a keen cyclist, doctor and fellow OMSer, it was a no-brainer to invite him along for a ride. It helped that we ‘clicked’ during our initial video call, and fortunately, the (mostly) quality banter continued when we met in person.

What was it like biking and filming with Jonny?

It was an absolute pleasure – I can’t think of anything more satisfying than sharing the trails in my backyard and seeing someone else’s buzz as they totally ‘get it’ on their first mountain bike ride.

Add to that, we not only share a similar outlook on MS but we’re both passionate in our beliefs and attitude to living with MS – let’s just say we were never stuck for things to say… which made editing a mammoth task!

What impact do you hope this episode will have on people with MS?

Everybody knows someone affected by MS, so I hope to turn more people to Overcoming MS and to the realisation that there’s a set of proven tools out there that can help everyone living with MS.

I suppose I also want to remind people with MS to hold onto their passions and keep trying to find ways to do the things that are precious to them – whether gardening, stamp collecting or sky diving – for me that thing is mountain biking.

You have such a positive mindset, what’s the main thing that helps you look after your mental health?

Getting up a hill on my mountain bike – big or small – especially with my wife Aneela. Even if it only means a gentle climb to my favourite rock, to sit and be outside or making a cup of tea on my stove – that usually helps reset the clock.

Even on the bad days, visualising the feeling I get on the bike gives me something to look forward to and a reason to get back up on my feet and on the pedals.

What’s your advice for someone who is new to the Overcoming MS Program?

Don’t waste any time deliberating, doubting, procrastinating or drowning in all the hype and misinformation that surrounds MS – like I did – just do it! There is nothing to lose and so much to gain.