A GOLD medal-winning para-athlete from Oswestry is calling for people in Shropshire to start talking about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as part of the annual awareness week campaign.

Laura Goodall, who is a Stop MS Champion for The MS Society, was diagnosed with the condition six years ago at the age of 21.

Prior to her diagnosis, Laura took part in British showjumping competitions across the UK, but her symptoms meant she was unable to continue doing so.

She said it took some time to accept her diagnosis.

“I really struggled with the diagnosis,” Laura explained. “To say my life came crashing down around me was an understatement as it had always revolves around the horses.

“I struggled to tell people about my diagnosis and tried my best to hide any symptoms that I had.

“Fast forward 18 months and I decided to tackle my MS head on, accept my diagnosis and do everything in my power to live the life I wanted.”

But Laura’s determination meant she was able to retrain her body and get back to riding horses in para competitions.

She is now encouraging other people with MS, and similar conditions, to speak up and not lose sight of their dreams.

“I retrained my ‘new’ body with a severe left-sided weakness to horse ride again,” she said.

“A year after this, I was selected to be a member of the Great British Para showjumping team, where I went on to win an individual gold and silver for the country in Germany at Pferd International Munich.

“My MS journey has been a roller coaster but the fight to get back doing what I love was 100 per cent worth it.

“I urge anyone with any disability or struggle to stay positive, talk to others and never lose sight of their dreams.”

MS Awareness Week 2021 is running from April 19 to April 25.