Scott was diagnosed at the age of 26 – but treatment in Mexico has slowed down the degenerative condition
Scott McPhillimy, pictured with PT Chris, ‘threw himself into fitness’ after noticing a ‘void’ in his life(Image: Scott McPhillimy / SWNS)
A man who once found walking exhausting is now taking part in bodybuilding competitions. Scott McPhillimy, 37, received an MS diagnosis at 26 and feared his wife, Suzanne, would eventually become his carer as the degenerative condition took over.
In 2022, Scott travelled to Mexico for a four-week course of radical treatment designed to halt the progression of his MS. The procedure, known as haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), works by rebuilding the immune system using stem cells, at a cost of £45,000.
Scott said: “For me, it was uncomfortable, feeling nauseous and dizzy, but I know some of the other patients were really unwell – I had bad days, but I seemed to bounce back. They also give you an injection which causes bone pain, you can’t adjust yourself because every time you move another part of your body would hurt.”
Four years on, Scott reports that his MS symptoms have remained stable, allowing him to stop taking his medication. His MRI scans have come back clear, with one even showing reduced damage, reports the Daily Record.
The civil servant from East Kilbride, Scotland, said: “It hasn’t cured me, that wasn’t my intention. I wanted to draw a line under my MS, and that is what has happened. I no longer require my MS medication, which I was supposed to be on for life.”
“I struggled with fatigue, cognitive fog, and weakness on my right side. All of those symptoms are still there in some capacity, but they are marginally better.
“The brain fog has improved, which has allowed me to progress in my career, and I can walk further without getting tired. This is something that, after 10 years, I never thought would be possible.”
While Scott’s own health has gone from strength to strength, his wife Suzanne suffered a devastating setback when a brain aneurysm in 2020 left her wheelchair-bound and with significant communication difficulties. She was moved into a full-time care home in 2024.
Scott McPhillimy, pictured with his wife Suzanne, has started bodybuilding.(Image: Scott McPhillimy / SWNS)
After this, Scott found himself struggling to find a sense of purpose, turning to fitness to fill the void. He said: “A huge amount of time was dedicated to looking after Suzanne, and then there was this huge void in my life. I needed to fill that void, and I did so through fitness.”
By 2025, Scott had achieved what he described as “photoshoot condition” and, after watching his personal trainer Chris compete in a bodybuilding competition, felt a surge of inspiration to take to the stage himself. To sculpt his physique, Scott committed to four to five strength sessions weekly, five cardio sessions, and between 12,000 to 15,000 steps each day.
He made his competitive debut at the Physical Culture Association show on March 29 and April 5, claiming first place in the mixed disability category. On April 19, Scott then delivered a deeply personal performance at the Granite City Classic competition, performing to Tattoo by Loreen — one of Suzanne’s favourite artists.
Scott McPhillimy went through ‘radical treatment’ to slow down the degenerative condition(Image: © Scott McPhillimy / SWNS)
He had planned to bring Suzanne on stage with him, but when she was unable to attend, he carried a photograph of her instead while dedicating his performance to her. Scott said: “Our first dance at our wedding was to a song by Loreen, so there is that meaning there, and the lyrics are beautiful.”
What is multiple sclerosis?
According to the NHS, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It cannot currently be cured, but treatment can often help manage it.
A spokesperson for the health service said: “MS symptoms can affect mobility, and you may need to adapt your life by using mobility aids, reducing working hours or needing more help around the home. MS treatments are improving, so if you’re diagnosed with MS today, you can expect a better quality of life than was possible before”
For some people, MS only has a small impact on daily life which means you can continue with your work and usual activities while others have more severe symptoms which can have a much bigger impact. Click here for more information.
