Siri Malde, Norway

My name is Siri Katrine Malde. I was born on 9 August 1974 in Stavanger, Norway. I am married and live in Stavanger where I am a chef. I am very proud to have 15 nieces and nephews.

I have RRMS and was diagnosed on 12 February 2003. At that time I didn’t know anything about the disease, there were a lot of myths surrounding it. I have always been politically active and when I found out I had MS I wanted to help to educate people about the disease and dispel the myths. I started out by volunteering in my local branch, in Rogaland, as a contact for young people with MS.

In May 2006, I became a board member of the Norwegian MS Society. It is very interesting and I learn a lot. My main focus is working with young people with MS; supporting partners of people with MS and raising awareness of the invisible symptoms of the disease. Working on a national level means it is easier to influence politicians and the healthcare industry and inform society as a whole.

When I was younger I was very active and played a lot of sport (I played handball for 15 years). I am still very active. Every winter I ski, both cross country and slalom, and in the spring and summer months I ride my Harley Davidson motorbikes – we have 2, a Sportster and a V-rod. Travelling is my biggest passion. My travels to China allowed me to fulfil my dream of walking on the Great Wall - it was awesome. My other interests are scuba diving, reading and music.

I try to exercise and live healthily but it is not always easy as life with MS presents many challenges. I do know, however, that you can still enjoy yourself. I believe that having MS has given me a greater perspective on life.

My motto: Cod liver oil, exercise and red wine keep me going!