A MAN has described the devastating impact of living with multiple sclerosis which hit just a month before his wedding.

Tim Jones, 35, from Rayleigh, started having symptoms shortly before his wedding in 2007. He was in the middle of a long-term career as a civil servant when he lost all feeling in his right hand and the hearing is his right ear.

At first, he put the symptoms down to stress, but the sensations persisted for the next five months. Mr Jones, who lives in a bunagalow with his wife Chrissy and seven-year-old daughter Hannah, said: “I’m a guitar player, and had to stop because I couldn’t hold a pick or feel the strings. An MRI showed scars all over my brain, but a clerical error meant I was never notified or formally diagnosed.

“Though, MS is very unpredictable and I had relapsing symptoms for the next five years. I remember people thinking I was drunk while on holiday with the girls. I swerved as I walked and my left foot slammed against the ground with every step. Fortunately, I was referred to a neurologist at the Royal London who confirmed I had progressive MS.”

Mr Jones chose to speak about the impact his condition has on his family life ahead of an event organised by the MS Society next month which will bring together some of the world's leading researchers.

Mr Jones uses a power wheelchair and has to sleep for up to 20 hours a day and can no longer . He said: “Chrissy is phenomenal at taking care of me, but I know it takes a toll on her physically and mentally. It often takes me a long to think through decisions and the limited mobility I do have can feel like I’m moving my limbs through jelly.

"We’re both in out mid-30s and I go to bed at 9pm. I know it’s lonely for her. It’s very different to what I had planned to be as a husband, and a dad."

He added: "I’m not entirely stopped by my MS. While I do miss walking and being able to chase after Hannah, we still build memories together. Last year, her dance school choreographed a number we could perform together, me using my power chair. It was a truly special moment for us both.

"Hannah really takes my condition in stride and brings Chrissy and me so much joy. I may have MS, but we have each other.”

There are more than 100,000 people living with MS in the UK. People typically start experiencing symptoms in their 20s and 30s, which can include fatigue, sight loss, incontinence and disability.

The MS Life event will take place on September 17 and 18 at London's the ExCeL Centre. It will feature talks from researchers, celebrities, chefs, and interactive workshops.

Tickets are free and people can register to attend at www.mssociety.org.uk/mslife.