Entertainment
I’m A Celebrity: Kadeena Cox praised by MS Society for ‘pure grit and determination’ after opening up about condition
Kadeena Cox made plenty of fans proud (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
I’m A Celebrity star Kadeena Cox has been praised by the MS Society for being so open about her Multiple Sclerosis on the show, and ‘listening to her body’ when she needed to.
The Paralympian, who was the second celebrity voted out of the castle, has been candid about her condition, which can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.
She smashed Bushtucker Trials, and raised awareness about how people with MS can ‘crack on with their lives,’ but at the same time showed the everyday struggles people with chronic and invisible illnesses go through.
Nick Moberly, Chief Executive at the MS Society told Metro.co.uk: ‘We’re so incredibly proud of our amazing Ambassador Kadeena Cox and, along with the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, want to say a huge thank you!
‘Aside from showing pure grit and determination, Kadeena used her time on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! to open up and raise vital awareness about MS.
‘MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things like walk, talk, eat and think. It’s unpredictable and different for everyone, so can often be misunderstood.
‘By speaking out about her MS journey, Kadeena has helped educate viewers about the reality of living with the condition. Regardless of the result, Kadeena will always be our Queen of the Castle!’
Moberly added: ‘Kadeena admitted that the experience had taught her she could be “vulnerable” – and this was seen when she said she’d let her campmates help her when she didn’t have access to her wheelchair.
‘MS can be relentless, painful and disabling, so getting help and support from others can be so important.
‘Kadeena has spoken out about living with MS fatigue – one of the most common invisible symptoms of MS. Fatigue can affect people in different ways – from experiencing heavy limbs, to feeling extremely tired after very little activity.
Kadeena hasn’t let her condition hold her back (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Watching Kadeena take herself off to have a sleep at times, showed she was listening to her body and trying to manage this chronic symptom.’
Kadeena is very open about her disability, and aims to raise awareness of her condition – as well as helping others who also struggle with it.
The athlete was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2014 – with the condition being confirmed after she suffered a stroke.
Although she recovered from this and had physiotherapy, she then began experiencing burning sensations in her right arm, which eventually gave out to numbness throughout her entire body.
More: I’m A Celebrity
Kadeena was again taken to hospital for testing – and this time she was diagnosed with MS.
However, she hasn’t let this diagnosis hold her back.
The MS Society estimates that there are over 130,000 people with MS in the UK, and that nearly 7,000 people are newly diagnosed each year.
MS Society
Support information
For support, call the MS Society’s free helpline on 0808 800 8000 or visit www.mssociety.org.uk
Information about MS
Over 130,000 people live with MS in the UK.
MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think.
Women are three times as likely to get MS than men.
No one knows for sure why people get MS. It’s likely to be due to a mix of genes, your environment and lifestyle factors.
I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV.
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