Doctor with MS finishes epic 1,100-mile trike ride

Dr Jacquie Smithson (centre) took on the challenge with wife Sarah Jones (left) and best friend Adrian

A hospital consultant with multiple sclerosis says she has showed that "adventures are still possible" after completing an 1,100-mile (1,770km) cycling challenge on a trike.

Dr Jacquie Smithson, from Hull, rode from Land's End to John O'Groats alongside her wife Prof Sarah Jones and best friend Adrian.

They have raised more than £10,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

Dr Smithson, a gastroenterologist at Hull Royal Infirmary, said: "I think there are times in in your life when you feel that the walls are perhaps closing in and that your options disappear. But I wanted to prove that wasn't the case."

Dr Smithson said she had always been a keen adventurer, but lost her balance following a relapse in her condition in 2021. Discovering a trike inspired her latest challenge.

"It's just amazing. It's given me independence to access the countryside in a way that I have not been able to do since my relapse," she added.

Dr Smithson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 30 years ago

The trio began their journey on 2 September and finished on Wednesday.

They were joined at one point by Dr Smithson's seven-year-old neighbour, Will, and his dad, who cycled with them for 26 miles and raised £622.

Dr Smithson said she had many highlights of the trip and was grateful for all the support she had received.

"I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us, friends, family, people we've never met, people who shared their stories, people who handed us money through the journey," she added.

"You may have to make some adaptations, but with perseverance and the support of loved ones, adventures are still possible."

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