The life-changing impact of MS research - Amber's story
A Devon woman who thought her ‘life was over’ when diagnosed with MS aged just 20 is urging others to take part in health and care research.
Amber Reeves was away from home at university when she got the news she had relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The diagnosis followed years of health problems, coming to a head when Amber briefly lost the sight in one eye.
Scared and uncertain about what the future might hold, Amber was given hope when offered the chance to take part in a clinical trial. The study, made possible thanks to support from the NIHR Research Delivery Network, was testing a drug called ocrelizumab. And it was recruiting people like Amber, in the early stages of the disease, who had not yet tried other treatments.
In 2026, the NIHR celebrates 20 years of supporting health and care research across the UK. Over 2 decades, it has helped turn research into better care, new treatments and real change for patients and the public.
Amber’s participation in the study ended in 2021, but, now aged 27, she continues to take the drug, which she says has made a huge difference to her quality of life.
She said: “When I was in secondary school, I was often a bit unwell and I always felt something wasn't right. Then when I went to uni, it got worse. But doctors always said it was growing pains, or assumed because I was a student I was out partying all the time.
“I started to think, maybe I was the problem.
“But when I was 20, my symptoms flared up massively. I was on a placement year, working long hours with lots of driving. I had sickness, headaches, and when I lost my vision in one eye, I ended up going to A&E.
“They couldn’t confirm it was MS straightaway. But they didn’t say there was nothing to worry about. And then I got the diagnosis, and that was when my whole life changed.
“I was so scared and I didn't know what to do. The only person I knew that had MS was an old friend's mum, and she couldn't walk.
“I was thinking, my life is literally over at the age of 20. I haven't even got my first proper adult job yet, I've not lived my life, I can't be in a wheelchair.”
Amber, who is originally from Bristol but now lives in Plymouth, was told her disease was progressing quickly. Different treatments were discussed, but her care team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust also mentioned an upcoming trial she could be eligible for.
Amber continued: “It was such a scary time, and I felt I needed all the support I could get. I thought I would receive that if I took part in the study, and I also wanted to help others in my situation in future.
“I'm so glad I made that decision, because I was supported amazingly.
“After taking part in the study for 2 or 3 years, I was in a much better headspace. I knew how to manage everything and I was used to the treatment. And luckily, for me, it has worked. I’m still on the drug, and I haven’t relapsed or had any change in my scans since I started treatment 7 years ago.
“I am just so, so grateful to the research team, I don't have any negatives about being part of the study at all. It's all just positive, and if I got asked to be part of another research study, I would absolutely do it.”
Thanks to this and other studies supported by the NIHR, and the volunteers who take part in them, ocrelizumab has now been proven to be an effective disease modifying treatment for MS. It is available on the NHS to treat active relapsing MS or early primary progressive MS.
A new volunteer registry has now been launched to make it easier for people to find and take part in studies like this. Visit the Be Part of Research website to learn more about research, search for opportunities and sign up to be contacted about studies that interest you.
