Comedian and director Tim Ferguson started experiencing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis at 16. Since then, he’s learnt about the power of optimism.
“Good, thanks” is the response often given by those with a chronic illness or disability when asked how they are – despite this being far from their reality. This series looks behind the masks of those living with chronic illness.
MS is a chronic neurological disease where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing a breakdown of communication between the brain and the body. This can result in a loss of motor function, muscle weakness, speech difficulty, eyesight issues and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Almost 10 years after diagnosis, Ferguson became more reliant on walking aids, and it became harder to hide.
After the calls stopped coming, Ferguson knew he needed to create his own work if he wanted to stay in the entertainment industry. He started writing his own scripts and screenplays, and teaching comedy writing courses. “I had to come up with my own jobs because they see you as a risk.”“Transitioning to the stick was a more difficult decision because that was the first sign to the world that something was not right. The wheelchair was an easy decision because it’s safer.
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