Graeme is taking MS in his stride as he attempts ‘50k in May’ fundraiser

“I will do as much as I can, for as long as I can” - the positive attitude held by the Council’s Graeme Mainland who is learning to live and work with a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

Graeme was only 33 when the autoimmune disease was confirmed in October 2022 – but he’s tackling the condition head on with plans to walk 50k during May to raise funds to continue vital MS research.

Although he has to deal with a daily cocktail of symptoms – muscle weakness and spasticity in his left arm and leg, motor fatigue, temperature sensitivity, urinary frequency, brain fog and a difficulty finding the correct words or to get them out, numbness and tingling to name a few, Graeme has kept his sense of humour.

“A few folk have thought with my walking that I’ve had a few too many drams, and while that may have been the case at times – it's one of my symptoms of the MS now and my legs just don't do what I want them to do!”

Graeme isn’t going to let that stand in his way and is keen to raise money for research for a disease that affects so many people in Orkney – with the islands having the highest prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in the world.

He is using the MS society’s May 50k fundraiser as a motivator to get up and out and to keep moving every day.

“If I can also use that to raise funds and awareness for good causes nationally on a UK basis and even internationally to fund research into new treatments for a so far incurable condition, then all the better.

“50k sounds a lot but it averages out to be one mile a day which for somebody with average fitness and mobility it’s easily achievable, but for folk with limited mobility and fitness it could be quite challenging.

“For me I’m hoping it shouldn’t be too much of a problem even if I do small distances spaced out throughout the day. I am aiming to walk at least 50k and hopefully more but will have to take it a day at a time. I am doing the fundraiser as part of a team with my wife Elizabeth also doing at least 50k, and my sister-in-law Jennifer (in Shetland) doing 150k. I will be doing most of my walking solo but if anybody sees me walking around (probably with my hiking poles), feel free to join me for a yarn.”

Without fundraisers such as this, the prognosis for Graeme and many others would be very different.

"Treatment options now are a lot better compared to how they were years ago but there is still a long way to go as with other conditions. Research and awareness are key to keep going in the right direction with further improvements to treatments and accessibility to treatments. Me doing this might also help people realise that even though woman are three times more likely to get MS compared with men, men still get MS and I know of several just in Orkney.”

Graeme, who is a dad to Mansie, 6, and Tom, 3, has already had to make changes to his life and work since the diagnosis.

Initially a refuse collector – a job he loved – it was one that involved too much walking, so he had to give it up. But Graeme says it was thanks to encouragement from a work colleague within the waste team that he went to see his GP.

“It started with a perceived weakness and heaviness in my left leg. I came back to the Waste Depot after some long-distance walking behind the dust cart that had gotten too much. It seemed like my legs just didn’t do what I wanted them to do (this was without any pain). I believe this can be called motor fatigue which comes and goes depending on how much you are doing and your body temperature. I was strongly advised to see a doctor by the waste chargehand, Michael Miller.

“The doctor referred me to a neurologist who organised various tests such as an MRI and a lumbar puncture. After all the test results had come back, they gave me a diagnosis of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Scleroses (RRMS). I managed to work through my diagnosis and for a further nine months after my diagnosis as a refuse collector with the attitude of ‘I will do as much as I can for as long as I still can’ - an attitude I still have.” 

Graeme has been working with Mary Cowieson - a private Neurophysiotherapist funded by the Orkney MS Society - to help with his walking and to build up stamina. He also attends a weekly yoga class, Yoga Moves, with instructor Jayne Rawle.

“The yoga class is enough of a challenge not to become boring but gentle enough not to take it all out of you. There is also a good social side, meeting with other people with similar levels of mobility issues and just having a good yarn at the end of the class.”

Graeme takes medication to try and decrease the chances and frequency of relapses and slow down progression.

“It has been daunting, and I've had long periods of absence from work which has been tedious, but I try to remain positive. It’s about finding the right balance of doing enough but not too much to set you back.

"I’ve never been sporty or athletic but used to do lots of long-distance walking and just running around with the bairns. It’s best to focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. Although MS is a chronic lifelong condition it is not a terminal condition and with the advances in treatments and medication it can be very manageable for some (there are plenty folk that it is not).” 

Graeme’s Council journey is far from over – it has just taken a new turn.

“Right from the start it was ones at work that initially gave me that push to go and see the doctor which if they hadn’t, my diagnosis would’ve taken a lot longer. I was and still do have a lot of appointments which is never a problem to go to during the working day.

“I was told from the start even before I had my diagnosis if there was anything anybody could do to let them know. I was quite adamant that just because I had MS, I didn’t want to be given any preferential treatment or treated any different which I wasn’t, but knew the support would be there if needed. It was reassuring being in a position where all colleagues and my employer were really supportive. Even during my long period of absence senior colleagues were checking in on me to offer support.

“Obviously, I would much rather be fit enough to have carried on being a refuse collector, but I'm grateful that I was able to go for and get a job as a Technical Assistant for the Roads and Environmental Services at the Hatston Depot.

“I am very thankful to anybody who has helped in any way.”

Head of Neighbourhood Services, Lorna Richardson, said: “I was delighted that we were able to find an alternative role for Graeme after his diagnosis and that we’ve been able to support him in continuing to provide a vital service to the community. He’s a brilliant addition to the team and an inspiration to us all with his fundraising efforts and determination.”

Orkney Islands Council achieved an Investors in People Award for the first time in 2023 – which was part of a drive to improve how the local authority supports and develops its employees. 

Chief Executive, Oliver Reid, said people are the Council’s most valuable asset, providing vital services for the communities of Orkney every day. 

“The Investors in People Award recognises the work that’s already been achieved at Orkney Islands Council. Hearing Graeme’s personal story and of the support he has rightly received from the team around him, gives me even greater confidence that we are on the right track to ensuring the Council has the supportive culture it needs, to be an employer of choice for all.”

You can support Graeme on his fundraising page.