Rob de Ridder

Rob de Ridder's world was turned upside down when, at the age of 40, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2007. For this well-travelled, sports-loving, self-employed accountant from Sydney's inner west, the thought of having MS was very daunting. After some soul searching, Rob came to the realisation that MS can be seen as an opportunity and that deciding to be happy is an attitude. He has come to accept that MS is a part of his life but not that his life is MS.

Rob now swims 1.5 kilometres three or four times a week and still runs his accounting practice that he started in 2004. In his spare time, Rob is very active in his local community; he is on various committees and is renowned for putting on free community events. He also hosts a trivia night every Wednesday at a local pub and is a Marriage Celebrant.

Married since 1991, Rob gives full credit for his strength to his wife, who is his rock. His deficiencies are his wife's strengths and vice versa and together they manage his MS. Rob says "MS Australia has also been incredible in getting me back on my feet; from the information they give to the services they provided me with when I was first diagnosed, I can bestow nothing but praise upon them."

So why did he become an MS Ambassador? "The reason is simple. I love to give and giving back to the people who are now a big part of my life is a natural progression. I love public speaking and between that love and my warped sense of humour, if I can educate one person about MS then my job is done," says Rob.