Chadderton youngster Fahad turns his life around following MS distress and ignorance
Fahad Ahmed, a 23-year-old from Oldham, turned his life around after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at 17. Initially struggling with mobility and depression, he found hope through healthy eating and mentorship from Aladin Ali. Fahad shared his inspiring journey at a Health and Hope forum hosted by Upturn’s Hive, emphasizing self-care and resilience. The event, organized by Muzahid Khan DL, aimed to improve community health and economic potential in Oldham.
Former boxer Fahad Ahmed, 23, has revealed how healthy eating and mentoring transformed his life after multiple sclerosis left him bedbound and depressed at just 17 years old.
The Oldham native, who endured cruel taunts for walking as if he was intoxicated, shared his journey during a Health and Hope forum at Upturn’s Hive co-working space. Diagnosed as a teenager, Ahmed was so embarrassed by his condition that he hid his crutches and threw his Zimmer frame into the shed, attempting to walk unaided to fit in with peers.
“It began with my legs feeling like jelly and me falling over but when I went to the doctors they told me I was too young to have MS,” Ahmed told attendees. “I thought ‘this is it, this is my life, it’s over now.’ It was during COVID, I was bedbound and so depressed but then ‘auntie Aladin’ came along and it’s been positive vibes all the way!”
His introduction to Scottish nutritional expert Aladin Ali came through a chance meeting at a birthday party. “When I first met Fahad, he was struggling to get in and out of a car,” Ali recalled. “Taking part in my programme demands 100% in - or don’t do it. But he had such a positive attitude towards it, and we gave him our support all the way. Now he walks differently and even his face looks healthier!”
The event, organized by Upturn’s Enterprise Director Muzahid Khan DL, highlighted rising health concerns among young people. NHS figures show just over 1,200 under-30s receive MS diagnoses annually, with strokes and heart problems also increasing in younger populations. Ali advocates for preventive approaches: “There are so many people on long lists waiting for appointments and living in pain. We should be concentrating on preventing illness and be seeing people like Fahad referred to organisations like us.”
Now dreaming of simple pleasures others take for granted, Ahmed hopes to return to work and enjoy walks in the park with his family. His perspective remains grounded: “When I was in hospital I saw a 15-year-old girl with MS sat in a wheelchair. Yes, there is always someone worse off than yourself!”
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