A science teacher at KSA has set herself a walking challenge for the start of the new academic year and is looking to raise more than £500 in aid of multiple sclerosis.
Miss Melanie Jolliffe, who has MS herself, is not letting the condition stop her from taking on a 10k walk along the Thames at the end the month.
Miss Jolliffe, along with three other members of the Academy staff, will be embarking on the challenge trek from noon on Sunday, 27th September along the Thames pathway and they have been busy training over the summer.
Miss Jolliffe was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 18 whilst she was still living in Canada.She said: “I was an ice hockey player and essentially I went from being a good player to looking like I had never put skates on before. I had major fatigue and would sleep for 17 hours a day. It was those two things that led to me getting diagnosed.”
Now at the age of 30, Miss Jolliffe is determined more than ever to complete the10k challenge.
She said: “I wanted to set myself a goal for this year and I am not going to let the MS stop me, I’m more stubborn than anything else so I just keep going.All my friends that are taking part in the walk too have been really supportive and they know me, my walking pace and know of my needs including any stops along the route. My goal is to complete the distance in my own time and no matter how long it takes.”
She added: “My friends and my physio of three years, have made this challenge possible for me and are so supportive of my progress. My family back home in Canada are also all behind me and have donated the majority of my sponsorship money so far.”
Miss Jolliffe and her team of colleagues, PE teacher, Mr Liam Feely,head of expressive arts, Miss Julia Mallard, science teacher, Miss Sophie George and the SENCO, Miss Kayleigh-Jay Incles are looking to raise a total of £500 for the MS Society and the team’s Just Giving page has currently raised a total of £399.75.
Miss Jolliffe has said if she reaches her fundraising target of £500 she promises to complete the walk  in a super hero costume.

If you would like to donate money to support Miss Jolliffe and her team via the just giving page please click on the link below:  
http://www.justgiving.com/challengems2015-m-jolliffe.