Esther Foreman was diagnosed with the condition 20 years ago

As a teenager Esther Foreman was told she had Multiple Sclerosis (MS), news that would have a huge impact on her life.

However, while some may have struggled to cope, 20 years on she will be travelling hundreds of miles through bitterly cold temperatures in the Arctic in an attempt to raise £5,000 for the MS Society on what is their 60th anniversary.

Joined by 12 fellow adventurers Ms Foreman, who was born and raised in Willesden Green, will journey more than 250 kilometres both on foot and by sled in just six days, enduring temperatures of up to minus 20C on the way.

The 34 year-old, who lives in Walm Lane, told the Times: “It’s going to be really tough and I’ve never done anything like this before, I’m excited but also very nervous.”

Despite the debilitating nature of the condition, which can cause muscle weakesses and visual and speech problems, Ms Foreman will spend the six days both hiking and sledding with huskies in a circular rote across remote Northern Norway, camping in freezing temperatures each evening. However, she is determined to not let her condition stand in her way.

“I suffer from relapsing remitting MS. It can cause bad fatigue, pains in the muscles and you forget things but sadly there are many people who are not as fortunate as me and have much more severe symptoms. It really does affect their lives,” she said.

All the money raised from the trip, which begins in April, will go towards the MS Society based in Cricklewood.

Ms Foreman explained: “It’s the anniversary and I realise how fortunate I am, so it made me want to do something to help.”

So far more than £2,000 has been raised toward the £5,000 target but Ms Foreman is hopeful of exceeding her target.

She said: “I’ve been so touched by the support I have received so far but as little as £1 can go such a long way. Every donation inspires me to keep going with my training and every bit counts.”

To sponsor Ms Foreman go to; http://beatms.mssociety.org.uk/netcommunity/esther