"The Fund has been like another family to me since my MS diagnosis"

Working in the RAF as a Policewoman for two decades, being an active runner and taking part in multiple expeditions over the years, Ann Hughes has always taken on challenges that test her mental and physical health. But nothing could prepare her for a diagnosis of secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2007. 

Ann started her career in the RAF police in 1990. Her duties included guarding nuclear weapons, counterintelligence and being part of the drugs squad. She did a tour in Iraq for four months, detachments in Italy and Cyprus, as well two postings in Germany, where Ann stayed for five years. Ann met her RAF Fireman husband, Mick, while they were both stationed in the Shetland Islands, and they had their daughter, Lauren. 

Ann was medically discharged from the RAF in 2009, two years after she was diagnosed with secondary progressive MS, due to the deterioration of her condition. 

She said: “It took a while to get my diagnosis – I was experiencing symptoms many years before. My MS affects walking, my eyes, everything really. I get a lot of spasms and fatigue and can’t walk far without a crutch – I have to use a wheelchair for distances.” 

After being medically discharged, Ann felt depressed and physically unwell. She struggled to adapt living in married quarters as her conditioned worsened. That’s when Ann reached out to the Fund. 

Ann said: “It was frightening. After being in the Air Force for so long, I didn’t know what to do knowing I had MS – I was lost. I don’t like asking for help, but I’m so glad I contacted the Fund.”

“They stepped in to help me with my mobility and adaptation needs, and found a house which we now rent. They adapted the whole place and also provided me with a mobility scooter.” 

As someone with a long and accomplished RAF career, being self sufficient is incredibly important to Ann. Without your support, even simple things like making herself a cup of tea could have become difficult, but with the adaptations you funded, she can still do the little things for herself. 

Your support is vital for veterans like Ann, and is part of the reason why she became an ambassador for the Fund. Helping to support her peers has given her a renewed sense of purpose. It is your generosity that makes this kind of transformational support possible.