Finding out you have an incurable disease is life-changing, but Shulla Elgood refused to let being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis hold her back.

Now, the 25-year-old marketing coordinator from Norwich is taking on an enormous challenge while she still can.

Shulla and four of her close friends are taking part in the 50km Thames Path Challenge to raise money for the MS Society UK.

She said: 'I wanted to pick a real challenge, not something you could just go off and do tomorrow.

'I will walk this distance while I am still capable.'

When she was diagnosed a year ago, the MS Society were a lifeline for Shulla.

She said: 'The Norwich branch runs six-week courses on getting to grips with the disease. They really set me up well.

'They cover everything from what to expect when you've been diagnosed to exercising and physiotherapy.'

Shulla and her friends have raised £1,800 so far and she has seen first- hand where that money will be going.

She said: 'I'm hopeful that the money we raise will help somebody else who has been diagnosed with MS.

'Not everyone is aware of the support available, and I want to do anything I can to enable them to get in touch.'

To go from waking up one morning unable to move to walking 50km is no easy task, but Shulla credits the society with helping her through.

She said: 'Sitting in the hospital, I could just about get out of bed.

'At 24 years old, that was the end of the world, but with help from the MS Society, very quickly it wasn't.'

To sponsor Shulla and her team, visit justgiving.com/nomsingaround or text SHOE48 followed by the amount to 70070.

Are you fundraising for a charity which helped you in a time of need? Email locallife@archant.co.uk