A woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) is set to climb more than 1,000 steps to the top of The Gherkin.
Dania Castagliuolo, 42, from Woodston, Peterborough, is taking on the challenge on Sunday, October 13, as part of MS-UK's Tower Walk.
The event will see 60 people climb the London skyscraper to raise funds for those living with MS.
Ms Castagliuolo, who suffers from weak legs, neck and back pain, severe fatigue, muscle weakness, migraines, heat intolerance, anxiety, balance and concentration issues, and foot drop, said: "I can't really walk for more than 20 minutes without my legs going to jelly, but this will not stop me."
Foot drop, a common MS symptom, makes it difficult to lift the front of the foot when walking, increasing the risk of trips and falls.
Ms Castagliuolo, who was once left paralysed down one side and virtually blind for a few months due to a relapse, is determined to complete the challenge to motivate herself to get fitter.
She said: “I was feeling a little less fit lately and experiencing quite a bit of pain which makes me less motivated to eat well and do my exercise so I knew having a challenge would give me a kick to do more about it."
Despite a calf injury and a sciatic nerve injury, she is committed to completing the climb.
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Ms Castagliuolo lives with her husband Quinton, 56, and their nearly two-year-old son Rui, who was born against the odds after she was diagnosed with infertility at 38 due to her MS medication.
She said: “We never imagined we would be blessed with a little boy in 2022! We are so thankful for him every day.”
To support her mission, visit Dania's fundraising page at msuk.
enthuse.com/pf/dania-castagliuolo.
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