The earliest sign of the disease he can remember is when his left leg went dead for a week in 2016.

"It was like a bag, just hanging there," he said.

"I put it down to pulling a muscle in the gym."

But early last year he lost his vision in his right eye for a week before it began to slowly return and he also had vertigo for over a month.

"Then I went to go to work in the morning and I couldn't walk," the ex-St Patrick's Primary School and Bega High School student said.

The diagnosis of MS left him shocked and scared for his future, but also gave him a sense of relief because he finally understood what had been happening to him over the past few years.

READ MORE: Russia risk was worth it says MS survivor five years after treatment success

He spent some time in a hospital bed worried he would not be able to walk again, but with physiotherapy he regained his movement and when he went back to work he learned there were other people in his life who had also been diagnosed with the disease.

"It's more common than people think. The stigma behind MS isn't as bad as it used to be," the former member of Bega's Rural Fire Service and St John's Ambulance teams said.

The 39-year-old will travel to Russia in November this year or March next year to receive autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) that costs $80,000 and is a treatment he cannot receive in Australia.

He is not the first person connected to the Bega Valley to sign up for AHSCT.

Wolumla resident Irene Trezise has recovered from her treatment and called it a success, while Bemboka's Matthew Taylor is fundraising to receive the treatment.

Mr Lucas, who now lives in the Illawarra, said he attended high school with Mr Taylor and the two have spoken about their upcoming trips to Russia as well as their similar symptoms.

READ MORE: Bemboka's Matthew Taylor diagnosed with MS, plans to seek treatment in Russia

"If it works it's supposed to halt it [my MS] from getting worse and then I can live a relatively normal life," he said.

"This doesn't just impact me, it impacts my wife and family.

"My wife has been the rock in all of this, I wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for her strength."

It frustrates him AHSCT is not available in Australia, saying it would save him money he has to spend on the treatment overseas and "would be fantastic for everyone".

"Australia is a little bit backwards when it comes to the health service I think," he said.

On Saturday, June 29 at St John's Church Hall, Bega from 2pm there will be a fundraiser for Mr Lucas with team, solo and card games, raffles, prizes as well as afternoon tea.

Tickets are $15. For more info call 6492 1699.

For more information on Mr Lucas's journey, visit his Facebook page. To support him receiving his treatment, you can donate by clicking here.