London Marathon 2026: The Fight Goes On

"Life with MS isn't about the days when everything goes right; it’s about the grit to push through when everything feels like it’s going wrong."

The Journey So Far

For those who are new to my story, my name is Mikhail. I am an attorney at Livingston, Alexander & Levy, a husband, and a father of two living with Multiple Sclerosis.

As a young black man from the Caribbean, an MS diagnosis often feels like a statistical impossibility. In September 2020, during the height of COVID, I lost vision in my right eye. I was in total shock when the prospect of MS was first suggested to me by my Ophthalmologist, Dr. Lisa LeoRhynie. That initial symptom mushroomed into a 12-month period of assessment where I also temporarily lost vision in my left eye.

During that testing time, my wife Nirvana and I welcomed our rainbow baby, Elijah Marley Jackson. I honestly could not bear the thought of being unable to support them. Under the care of my neurologist in Jamaica, Dr. Amza Ali, I eventually sought out the best possible treatment at the Cleveland Clinic in London. There, Dr. Wallace Brownlee confirmed my diagnosis in October 2021, and I began aggressive treatment to halt the progression of the disease.

The Reality of 2026: A Different Kind of Challenge

Last year, crossing the finish line was a triumph of will. This year, with the race just days away, the road has been significantly harder.

I want to be transparent: training has not gone to plan. Between injury setbacks and unpredictable flare-ups of my MS symptoms, there have been many mornings where putting on my running shoes felt like an impossible task. I am not entering this race "physically prepared" in the traditional sense.

But MS doesn’t wait for you to feel prepared. Living with this condition means pushing through fatigue and pain every single day. That is why my 2026 theme is Never Giving Up. I am running as a direct reflection of the #MSWarrior life: it’s messy, it’s difficult, and it requires a stubborn refusal to quit.

The Goal: £5,000* for the MS Society

I am returning to the streets of London to raise a minimum of £2,500 for the MS Society. We've surpassed this minimum and are pushing to double this target 🙌🏾 

Having welcomed our second son, Jacob Marley Jackson, in September 2024, I continue to have hope that one day we will find a cure. The research the MS Society funds is the reason I can still dream of a long, full life without limitations with my wife and sons.

I may not be the fastest person on the course on April 26, but I promise to finish in true Jamaican style—loudly, proudly, and showing my sons that every challenge can be overcome through hard work and consistency.

Please consider donating to help me reach my goal. Every pound is a reminder that even when the body falters, the spirit remains unbroken.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Click the button on this page to contribute to the target.

• Share: Post this link to your socials or WhatsApp groups to help spread the word.

• Cheer: If you are in London on April 26, look for the black, green, and gold!

Thank you for standing with me. Let’s finish this!