A BOURNEMOUTH resident who has suffered from MS for almost 50 years has written a book about her life and coping with the debilitating disease.

Denise Rayner, from Westbourne, was diagnosed with MS in 1974 when she was 21 years old.

She said: “I didn’t believe the doctor when he told me I had MS and swore to myself that I would beat this thing and never give in to it.

“I told myself that I won’t let it stop me from doing anything.

“My brain isn’t infected, but I walk with a crutch at the moment, so I know I am slowing down a bit now.”

Determined not to let it hold it back in life, Denise began her working career as singer and organiser of high-class events in central London, before moving in public relations.

Whilst working at London Broadcasting Radio (LBC) in its formative years, Thames TV and in various government departments in Whitehall, Denise brushed shoulders with many famous faces, including Ginger Rogers, 007 actor Roger Moore and comedian Eric Morecambe.

However, Denise’s strongest influence was American singer, actress, and filmmaker Barbra Streisand. Anecdotes including these stars, as well as Ringo Starr, Douglas Fairbanks Jnr and Prince Charles, are outlined in Denise’s book, MS Dynamic!

The forewords of the book will be written by television executive Lord Michael Grade, and Connor Burns MP.

In the memoir-come-advice book, Denise hopes to show other people with debilitating conditions that their ailment doesn’t need to slow them down in life and that they can still accomplish their goals.

Denise added: “My book is called MS Dynamic!, which has a double meaning for MS. It’s my statutory title as I’m a Ms, and I’ve got MS – multiple sclerosis – which is explained in detail in my book.

“I’m living proof that this condition shouldn’t stop you from doing anything, and I’m extremely driven to achieve my goals. I know how to do it and I’m determined to succeed.

“If they feel they want to do something, then go ahead and do it. If those people know that they try hard and push through the tough times, they can do or be anything they want to.”

Although she is close to completing her book, Denise is hoping to find a mature assistant to help with the final stages of her book, as well as a publisher to get her book published when it is finished.

She said: “I want to find someone who has an interest in show business and who will understand what I am doing and writing about

“I also want to try and find a publisher who publishes books about famous people or self-help style books. I am going crazy trying to find someone who can assist me, but I have had no luck.

“I am really driven to get this book published but I need some help getting it off the ground.”