AT first glance you would never know that Rebecca French has a chronic illness.

The 37-year-old mother of two, who has multiple sclerosis, looks a picture of health – most of the time.

But now she is too scared to use her disabled parking permit because of the abuse she has endured from people who believe she is a fraud.

“The problem is I don’t look ill,” she says.

“Unfortunately, I have been in a few negative situations where members of the public have shouted at me saying things like, ‘You don’t look disabled you shouldn’t be parked there!’ “It can be upsetting as I am a bubbly, friendly person who would do anything for anyone and it’s hurtful to be treated this way.

“MS affects people in different ways. My symptoms come and go.

“I’ve just had a month off work because I had a problem with my foot and I couldn’t walk properly – it also affects your immune system too which makes you susceptible to various illnesses.”

Rebecca who is a part-time NHS worker who lives near Blandford, with her two daughters aged 18 and four, was diagnosed two years ago.

“I woke up in the middle of the night and I couldn’t lift my right leg – I was completely numb all down one side,” she explains.

“I also started getting pins and needles in my hands and arms – it felt like the after-effects of a stinging nettle.”

A series of tests and an MRI scan at Bournemouth Hospital confirmed that it was MS.

“I have always been very independent and sporty so it was a big shock as I’d never heard of MS before,” she says. But Rebecca says she tries to carry on as normal. “I love my work as it gives me real job satisfaction.

“People say I would be better off not working and claiming benefits, but that’s something that will never happen, as I still have my pride!

“I’m hoping this article will help people to understand that people like me aren’t faking the pain.

“My motto is that although I have multiple sclerosis it won’t have me!”