Living with MS, Leading With Hope: Dr Cal Gowling’s Message

I was delighted to welcome a very special guest to the morning show this morning: Dr Cal Gowling, an expert sports psychologist whose own story over the last eight months is as heartwarming as it is inspiring.

A sudden, life-changing relapse

Cal was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2020. For several years his condition was relatively stable, with just a few challenges — mainly around his vision.

But last December, what began as sharp back pain and a suspected trapped nerve quickly escalated into a full-blown MS relapse (also called a flare-up or exacerbation). Within days, Cal was bed-bound: unable to walk, shower standing up, or even write his own name.

A new treatment — and a new mindset

Thankfully, Cal was offered a revolutionary disease-modifying therapy: Kesimpta (ofatumumab). Kesimpta is a monthly, under-the-skin injection that targets B cells — a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system’s attack on the protective myelin coating around nerves in relapsing forms of MS.

By binding to the CD20 protein on B cells, it helps reduce their activity, which in turn lowers the frequency and severity of relapses and can slow disability progression.

While it is not a cure, clinical data show it significantly reduces relapse rates compared with some older oral treatments, offering better long-term prospects for living with the disease.

For Cal, the combination of effective treatment and a determined, positive mindset has been transformative — taking him from the height of immobility to the incredible position he’s in today.

Finding a sport that fits: the power of skipping

Always sporty and active, Cal knew movement would be key to his rehabilitation — but he needed something he could control, adapt, and build up gradually.

He turned to skipping. Something he’d been doing for a while, skipping offered a low-barrier, high-reward way to rebuild strength, coordination, and confidence.

This August, Cal set himself a public challenge: 1,000 skips a day throughout the month at Lymm Tennis Club, with a fundraising target of £1,000 for the MS Society.

Some days he’s breezed through in under an hour; on tougher days it has taken much longer. But he’s kept going — and not only met his daily target, he’s so far raised an incredible £1,800 for the cause.

The mental game: staying positive when life changes

In our conversation, Cal spoke openly about the mental challenges he’s faced — the fear, frustration, and uncertainty that can come with a sudden relapse.

As a sports psychologist, he knows first-hand how powerful mindset can be in recovery, yet living it personally brought new layers.

His message is simple but powerful: it may not be MS, it may be another lifelong condition or personal challenge, but there is always a way forward.

• Focus on what you can control today, not everything you’ve lost.
• Break big goals into tiny, achievable steps — even “just stand for two minutes” counts.
• Celebrate small wins; they add up to big change.
• Let movement be medicine — find something you enjoy and can adapt as you go.

Learn more about MS

If you or someone you care about is affected by MS, the NHS has clear, up-to-date information on symptoms, treatments (including disease-modifying therapies like Kesimpta), and support services:  NHS WEBSITE

Charities such as MS Society  also offer helplines, peer support, and practical resources.

Cal’s story is a reminder that progress isn’t always linear — but with the right treatment, support, and self-belief – it is absolutely possible.

• Cal’s Just Giving Page