MS Awareness Month: Dom and DT Training

Meet Dom, a top notch personal trainer from London, UK. Chatting with us via Instagram, Dom shared some of his experiences as a businessman but also as a care partner for his mother who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when he was a young man.

Who are you?

Google’s highest ranked personal trainer for people with disabilities.
Husband to Christine and father to Aria.

What Condition/Diagnosis of the family member you were caring for:

My mum was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when I was too young to remember. Her conditions progressed until 2006 when she had a lung failure, leaving her in a permanent comatose state. She remained in this state until she passed in 2012.

If you could tell other people in your situation one thing, what would it be?

Educated yourself as much as possible about the condition of the person you’re caring for so that you have an understanding of what they face, empathy around what they’re experiencing and an idea of how to best to support them.

What messages do you have for family members or caregivers of those newly diagnosed?

If someone you love had been diagnosed with a particular condition, be aware that they are likely to be having a very tough time indeed. Try to be supportive encourage them to seek wellness throughout the four major cornerstones: exercise, nutrition, mental wellness and medication.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

Being diagnosed with any serious medical condition can feel like a punch in the stomach. Understanding and support are really important and the best thing you can do in this situation is make them aware that you are there if they need you.

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Dom founded his company in 2008 after noting the clear need for fitness and personal training for persons with disabilities. He felt that most personal trainers weren’t able to adapt their techniques to suit those with disabilities, when all it took as a little out of the box thinking. Prior to her passing, Dom’s mother did not have access to a service like the one he provides. She received monetary support, but didn’t have a service like the one Dom now provides to take advantage of. Now, Dom supports patients with various conditions including MS, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and more. He was awarded ‘Best Disadvantaged Personal Training Specialist’ in the UK in 2016 and publishes a very helpful blog, including disability training tips!
Check it out here and follow Dom on Instagram to learn more.