The Monster Ski story
Nick and Mike Laver
Monster Ski is a mammoth challenge but it is entirely possible to do.
Mike Laver
The Monster Ski concept was developed by Mike Laver and his brother Nick, from Ski Independence.
Mike, an RAF helicopter pilot, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in December 2005 following a series of inexplicable medical events over the previous few years. For him, the diagnosis came as a bit of relief:
"At last, I had something with a name instead of a palpable sense of helplessness and hopelessness. Despite the challenges MS might bring me, it was like someone had taken a huge weight off my shoulders just knowing it was something tangible, and more importantly something whose symptoms could at least be treated."
Undaunted by his diagnosis, Mike set out to think of a challenge that he could use to raise funds to help support people with MS. A keen skier since childhood, with a brother working in the ski industry, it didn't take long for Mike to plan Monster Ski.
In March 2007, Mike and Nick set out to tackle their own Monster Ski in Canada. This provided the inspiration for us, the MS Trust, to launch our own Monster Ski for 2008 in Colorado. The event was a huge success for the MS Trust, raising over £160,000. Monster Ski has grown from there, visiting Colorado, Engelberg, Whistler and Tignes, and raising over £360,000 for the MS Trust.
Mike tells us: "If I can do this with MS, a fully fit skier should have no problem. MS Trust Monster Ski 2012 in Tignes will be an amazing challenge and one that will give anyone taking part a huge sense of achievement. Most importantly, it will raise some much needed funds for the MS Trust."
Mike is keen to support the MS Trust because he believes that constructive, evidence-based information is vital for people living with MS. He is also a strong believer in our campaign, Stay Active with MS.
