Andrew Graeme Cook

At the age of 32, it seemed as if Andrew Graeme-Cook's life was working out pretty well. An Irish immigrant with a degree in marine biology, Andy was busy running surfing and camping tours along the remote NSW east coast.

After an episode of being paralysed on his left side, he was handed a diagnosis of relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS). What followed was a period of psychological wrestling, culminating in what Andy describes as "an immense feeling of connectedness".

Self-determination was what Andy had always deemed to be important - he started a horticultural business and fulfilled all his goals on his "to do" list. A chance encounter also led Andy to finding the love of his life and the two now live on the NSW north coast with their two boys.

"It was not always easy. We ran a bakery business and with two young sons and my worsening physical condition, we faced many challenges". Andy and his wife eventually had to close the bakery and the couple now live simply in their new home, with Andy filling the role of home dad.

Andy is philosophical about where life has taken him. "There is no script to life, it's just important that you do not fail yourself even if your body fails you". There is no doubt that Andy believes his MS has offered him an ability to view life in a different way and he relishes the opportunity that becoming an MS Ambassador affords, to share his story and message of hope. He often says "It's not winning or losing but how you play the game."

If you would like to book an MS Ambassador call 02 9468 8300 or email ambassadors-nsw@msaustralia.org.au