Jemma Completes 5-Year, 5,000-Mile Challenge for MS

A woman from Market Harborough has completed a remarkable five-year walking challenge – covering 5,000 miles and raising almost £5,000 for the MS Society.

Jemma Redden, who lives with multiple sclerosis, set herself the target when she turned 35, aiming to complete it by her 40th birthday.

She reached her milestone just three days before turning 40, while taking part in the MS Society’s 20km MS Walk in Glasgow with her dog, Max last Saturday.

Jemma and Max after completing the five-year challenge

Diagnosed with relapsing MS at the age of 23, Jemma says the challenge – which she called #Invisible40 – was about raising awareness of the often-hidden symptoms of MS, while also proving to herself that she could keep going.

She has walked an average of 20 miles a week over the past five years.

Jemma, who has thanked everyone who has supported her, said: “I feel so proud, tired, a little stunned. When you live with a condition like MS, you’re never sure what the future holds, so to have actually made it this far feels huge. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about knowing I kept going.”

Alongside her challenge, Jemma also set up a women’s walking group in Market Harborough, which has grown into a community of more than 1,100 members.

The MS Society praised her achievement, calling it an “incredible display of dedication and determination” that will help support the 150,000 people living with MS in the UK.

You can still support Jemma’s fundraising HERE