“Over a decade ago, I went partially blind” now he’s set to ride the Bolly Skyline
Ten years ago, James Talbot’s life changed in an instant. He arrived at work and realised he could not read his computer screen.
He initially thought it was a migraine. It was actually the start of a life-altering diagnosis. After a year of medical tests and specialists ruling out other conditions, he was told he had Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
MS affects the central nervous system by damaging the myelin coating that protects nerves. This leads to symptoms including blurred vision and issues with movement or memory. There is currently no cure for the condition.
The Doseley resident was first diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS. He describes this using a vase analogy. The vase is knocked over and broken during a relapse, then glued back together during remission.
By 2024, his condition shifted to Secondary Progressive MS. This means the “glue” is now failing, leading to a steady decline rather than distinct breaks and repairs. The symptoms forced him to give up his passion for mountain biking.
Finding a lifeline in therapy
With no facilities in Telford, he eventually discovered the Wolverhampton Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre. The centre offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy and wellness sessions. It relies entirely on volunteers and charitable donations to stay open.
Weekly oxygen sessions have significantly improved his quality of life. While it is not a cure, the therapy helped him get back into the right frame of mind. Most importantly, it helped him get back on his bike.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the therapy centre. To celebrate, they are aiming to raise £40,000.
The Doseley man has signed up for the Bolly Skyline mountain bike enduro race in August to support the cause. The event consists of eight timed stages covering up to 30km with 1,000m of climbing. He describes it as the toughest physical and mental challenge he has ever faced.
He is now asking the community to help him reach the fundraising total to support the centre that got him riding again. The justgiving link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-talbot-mtb
