Boris, 46, from Earl's Court, lost ultra-marathon running to multiple sclerosis and shares what nobody told him at diagnosis. Updated November 2026.

A former ultra-marathon runner from Earl’s Court is sharing his life with multiple sclerosis (MS), seven years after his diagnosis. He wants others to feel less afraid and less alone when they get the same news.

Boris, 46, is chief financial officer of a London start-up. He once felt invincible, and he laughed off the diagnosis at first, thinking it could not happen to him. No longer being able to run then marked a huge change in his life.

He is telling his story through Nobody Told Me, a campaign from the charity Overcoming MS. It is about the information and support people wish they had received when they were diagnosed.

Boris in a pale jacket against a dark blue backdrop, with a medal around his neck
Boris with a medal around his neck. Photo: supplied by Overcoming MS

“Having MS doesn’t mean I am not a human anymore”

Boris did not know where to turn for advice and support, and felt that no one was talking about MS. He describes becoming acutely aware of changes in his body. He worried they could be related to MS, even after reassuring updates from doctors.

That can feel isolating and depressing. He wants his story to help others feel less afraid. Exercise is still an important part of how he manages pain.

“People say to me, ‘You never rest,’ but I don’t have a choice - without exercise there will be pain,” he said. “If it feels like a challenging day, then I will at least do a lot of stretching or Tai Chi. My life is much more organised now as I don’t have a choice to avoid pain or discomfort.”

Boris in a pale jacket, seated against a dark blue backdrop and smiling, with both hands resting on a walking stick
Boris, seated, with both hands on a walking stick. Photo: supplied by Overcoming MS

Family time, singing, painting and rowing are what bring him joy.

“Spending time with family brings me joy,” he said. “I am a Catholic, a singer, a painter, and a rower, and that makes me happy and hopeful. Trophies, medals, and public clapping give me a lot of joy. Having MS doesn’t mean I am not a human anymore.”

He added:

“Nobody told me an active sex life, sport, and stretching were such powerful pain management!”

Boris in a pale jacket against a dark blue backdrop, looking away to the side
Boris against a blue backdrop. Photo: supplied by Overcoming MS

The running years

The charity also supplied pictures from his running.

Boris running across grass in a race, wearing a number and shoulder straps, with spectators behind an orange fenceBoris in blue sunglasses and a dark top among a pack of runners wearing race numbers, in front of a timbered buildingBoris in a yellow top and black leggings running through long grass under a big skyRunners on the red track at the Stade de France, with officials on the grass and part-filled stands behind

4 photos, swipe or scroll. Photos: supplied by Overcoming MS

What the charity wants to change

Through the campaign, Overcoming MS is calling for everyone diagnosed with MS to have three things alongside medical treatment:

  • trusted, evidence-based lifestyle information
  • practical support
  • a community that understands

Alexandra Holden, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Receiving a diagnosis can be overwhelming, and even when information is available, it can be difficult to take everything in or know what questions to ask. People may leave with information but no direction, searching online for answers or imagining everything the condition could take away.”

She added: “We are so grateful to Boris for joining our Nobody Told Me campaign and choosing to share his story to support others diagnosed with MS. His experience of not knowing where to turn for support underlines why nobody should have to navigate a diagnosis alone.”

“We want to work alongside healthcare professionals to ensure trusted, evidence-based lifestyle information and practical support become a routine part of the support available to everyone diagnosed with MS, alongside their medical care, and that people know where to turn when they’re ready for it.”

Boris in glasses and a pink jacket writing at a desk beside a laptop, with a hairless cat sitting next to him by the window
Boris at a desk with his laptop, and a cat sitting beside him. Photo: supplied by Overcoming MS

The campaign page, which we checked on 5 November, sets out the charity’s own research. A weighted survey of 2,217 UK adults in September 2026 found:

  • 62% would fear losing independence after an MS diagnosis
  • 57% did not know people with MS can take steps to support their health and wellbeing alongside standard medical treatment

It also questioned 637 people diagnosed with MS, drawn from the charity’s own database:

  • 71% said that when they were diagnosed, they did not know they could take steps to support their wellbeing alongside medical treatment
  • 64% wished they had been told sooner that physical activity, diet and other lifestyle choices could support their health and wellbeing

Boris is one of six people in the campaign. His own film carries the title “Nobody told me I’d find a community”.

Boris's film for the Nobody Told Me campaign. Video: Overcoming MS
The main Nobody Told Me campaign film. Video: Overcoming MS
Boris in glasses and a white top, smiling down at a baby he is holding
Boris smiling down at a baby in his arms. Photo: supplied by Overcoming MS

What it means for you

If you or someone you love is living with MS and looking for support, the charity points people to overcomingms.org.

It says its information, resources, webinars, podcasts and community are free for anyone, anywhere. It describes this as support alongside medical care.