'I can only afford to live on turkey sandwiches and it's making me ill'

Exhausted and in pain, Vince Ashton struggles as he makes the short walk from the bus stop to his local Tesco. It’s late but he’s hoping to find some yellow-stickered items – the only food he can afford to buy at the moment.

The 50-year-old, from Ramsbottom, suffers from multiple sclerosis. The lifelong condition, which affects his brain and nerves, means he gets tired easily, has vision problems and difficulty walking.

The disease cannot be cured, but medicines and other treatments can help ease some of the symptoms – including a healthy diet.

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Those with MS are advised to eat fruit and veg daily and avoid processed foods. But dad-of-three Vince, who is struggling with the rising cost of living, can only afford to eat whatever he finds in the reduced section. His last shop included discounted turkey slices.

“I’m just scraping by,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “I almost feel as if I’m living day-by-day; I can’t plan for the future. It makes me feel inadequate. It’s like you’re being penalised for being ill.”

Vince was diagnosed with relapsing MS in November 2011. He first noticed symptoms of the disease when he lost the use of his right leg but put it down to a sporting injury.

He visited a physiotherapist who advised he go to hospital. Sadly, an MRI scan later showed Vince had multiple sclerosis – forcing him to give up his career as a paediatric nurse.

Due to his disability and being out of work, Vince claims Personal Independence Payment, but says it’s barely enough to scrape buy. No longer able to afford healthy food, he’s seen a drastic decline in his physical and mental health.

“I’m meant