24/04/2026
Stu's story: challenging assumptions as part of MS Awareness Week
Stuart Pearce lives near Exeter and was working as a teacher when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
He loved his job, but his life changed quickly as symptoms appeared.
“I really enjoyed teaching,” Stuart says. “But suddenly everything took more effort.”
Fatigue became the biggest challenge, affecting both his body and his mind. It was not just about feeling tired. It was about the emotional impact too.
“You can look fine on the outside, but feel completely wiped out,” he explains. “Taking time off work made me feel guilty, like I was letting people down.”
Over time, the unpredictable nature of MS made full time teaching impossible, and Stuart had to take ill health retirement.
Letting go of his career was hard, but it also challenged assumptions about what disability looks like.
“MS does not behave in a neat or predictable way,” he says. “Some days I can walk for ages and feel okay. Other days my legs stop working without warning.
People might assume I’m unwell for one clear reason, but often they just can’t see what’s happening.”
Music has always been a huge part of Stuart’s life and diagnosis forced another adjustment.
Playing in bands became harder, but during lockdown he found a new way to stay connected by learning to record music from home.
Wanting to meet others who truly understood, Stuart found the South West MS Therapy Centre.
There, he discovered support, shared experience and encouragement without judgement.
“You realise very quickly that MS affects everyone differently,” he says. “That understanding changes everything.”
Through physiotherapy, fitness sessions and yoga, Stuart has rebuilt confidence and connection. For him, MS Awareness Week is about reminding people that invisible illness is real.
“If we challenge assumptions and listen more,” he says, “life becomes more understanding for everyone.”
