Chadderton youngster Fahad turns his life around following MS distress and ignorance

A former boxer from Oldham who endured taunts for walking like he was high or drunk, told a round-table discussion held at Upturn’s Hive how healthy eating and mentoring had him dreaming of “working, and doing all the things others take for granted.”

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when just 17, Fahad Ahmed was so keen to fit in that he attempted to walk without the aid of the crutches prescribed for him.

He was also so embarrassed about being young and having MS, that he threw a Zimmer Frame given to him – into the shed!

And his pain didn’t end there.

Because an inability to use major limbs meant him giving up college and working in hospitality and no more bouts in his beloved boxing ring.

Now 23 and with what his mentor Aladin Ali called, “a fresher look in his face”, Fahad told guests at a Health and Hope forum held at Upturn’s co-working space, that being self-care aware was the secret to his success.

“It began with my legs feeling like jelly and me falling over but when I went to the doctors they told me I was too young to have MS” admitted the former Oldham College student.

“I thought “this is it, this is my life, it’s over now.

"It was during COVID, I was bedbound and so depressed but then “auntie Aladin” came along and it’s been positive vibes all the way!”

Attending a birthday party with Aladin’s niece got Fahad an introduction to the celebrated Scottish nutritional expert.

“When I first met Fahad, he was struggling to get in and out of a car” revealed Aladin.

“Taking part in my programme demands 100% in – or don’t do it.

"But he had such a positive attitude towards it, and we gave him our support all the way.

"Now he walks differently and even his face looks healthier!”

One of the first things Fahad did when he was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition was to hear the story of a Swedish Policeman with MS.

A couple of years on Aladin’s Synergy programme and he had returned to the piste and was skiing again!

The Health and Hope discussion was organised by Upturn’s Enterprise Director, Muzahid Khan DL, who last year staged what guests called, “the most open discussion ever seen on South Asian women’s health.”

Muzahid said: “Upturn wants to actively improve the economy of Oldham and see everyone achieve their maximum potential.

"This cannot be done when people are in poor health.

"We came to the gathering hoping that people would be receptive to Aladin’s ideas.

"They were and they were also thoroughly inspired by Fahad’s remarkable tale.”

NHS figures show MS in younger people is extremely rare with just over 1,200 under 30s diagnosed each year.

But the figure is rising.

That is also the case with strokes and heart problems.

Aladin believes passionately that there is an intrinsic link between mental and physical health and said: “There are so many people on long lists waiting for appointments and living in pain.

"We should be concentrating on preventing illness and be seeing people like Fahad referred to organisations like us.”

As for Fahad, he is hoping to return to work and, “be able to walk around the park and go out with my family.”

With wisdom way ahead of his years, he concluded: “When I was in hospital I saw a 15-year-old girl with MS sat in a wheelchair.

"Yes, there is always someone worse off than yourself!”

Based on the second floor of the Spindles Shopping Centre, The Hive is a space dedicated to organisations determined to help Oldham.

To book a meeting or even co-work there, email info@upturn.org.uk

Learn more by visiting: https://hiveoldham.co.uk/upturn

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