Bradford man speaks of struggles due to multiple sclerosis

Andrew Sanderson, of Wibsey, used to be very active - at one point he was busy driving all day for work, hiking 20 miles at a time and training for a 30-mile cycling triathlon.

He was just getting ready to start open water swimming training when he was diagnosed with MS at the age of 51.

MS is a chronic, incurable disease which affects the brain and spinal cord, causing a range of symptoms.

Now 54, Andrew is only able to walk a few minutes with a walking stick - any longer and he needs to use his wheelchair or electric scooter - and he also struggles with balance and tiredness.

He described it is a "devastating blow" for someone who used to be so active.

Thousands feel 'imprisoned' in their own homes

Andrew said: "It has completely changed my life.

"When I was able-bodied, I never gave MS another thought.

"Now the shoe's on the other foot, I just have to get on with it and try and keep as positive as I can and lead as much a normal life as possible - but it is incredibly tough."

An estimated 150,000 people - including Andrew - live with MS in the UK (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

Andrew spoke to the Telegraph & Argus as a new report said thousands of people with MS effectively feel "imprisoned" in their own homes.

This is because they do not want to go outside because of challenges like uneven pavements, inaccessible town centres and inadequate public transport, according to the MS Trust's Life Changing: Getting around with MS report.

It estimates up to 96,000 people with MS feel trapped at home at least some of the time.

Andrew said "it's not easy going out when you have MS" and added that he "feels like a prisoner in my own home a lot of the time".

"Getting around Bradford is so difficult," he said.

"For me, big problems are uneven pavements and cars parked on pavements - please remember people like me who use a wheelchair, and park considerately.

"Whenever I go out, I have to plan really carefully to try and avoid all the potential issues.

"For people with MS, it often feels easier just to stay at home."

Comment from MS Trust 

A spokesperson for the MS Trust said: "Many people with MS would not think of themselves as housebound.

"However, the combined burdens associated with the disease are seriously restricting independent travel for many people with MS.

"With the effort that goes into planning a journey, managing symptoms and making sure you have the right support in place, it's not surprising that some people with MS choose not to leave their home.

Andrew likes to walk his dog when he can (Image: MS Trust) "Independent travel is vital to allow people with MS to get to work, socialise and connect with health and leisure activities, but our report shows that there are too many barriers in place.

"Uneven pavements, inaccessible town centres and inadequate public transport - along with difficulty accessing financial support - are forcing thousands of people to become prematurely housebound.

"At the MS Trust, we will be raising awareness of these barriers and providing information and support to empower people with MS to stay active and independent for as long as possible."

For more information about MS - including symptoms - and to access the report referenced above, visit www.mstrust.org.uk

Government response

A Government spokesperson commented on the MS Trust's report.

"The findings in this report are concerning and transport systems should be truly accessible and inclusive for everyone," they said.

"No one should be held back or treated unfairly because of their disability. 

"This Government is committed to championing the rights of disabled people, and working closely with them so their views and voices are at the heart of all we do."

Bradford Council is currently carrying out improvements in the city centre which it has previously said would make the area "easy and safe to walk around".