Inspiring Brands: The real Mr & Mrs Monkey Sox
February 6th, 2019
You may have seen this cheeky monkey face on socks as you cycle out and about but do you know the story behind the brand?
We have been very fortunate to meet the real Mr & Mrs Monkey Sox and are very pleased to be collaborating with them on our 40th Anniversary kit. We hope you’ll support them too.
Here’s their story…
MEET THE REAL MR & MRS MONKEY SOX
We are James & Lianne, husband & wife.
James is a doctor, Lianne a designer.
We set up Mr Monkey Sox C.I.C following James diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in July 2016. We understand that MS is a life changing diagnosis but Mr Monkey Sox has helped us feel more positive, supported and in control.
James has always loved cycling, and following his diagnosis of MS it’s the one sport that he still really enjoys as it’s the most kind to his symptoms. Running increases the weakness in his right side and his eyes go blurry as he overheats. He left a career in anaesthetics and intensive care medicine to pursue GP.
In many cases he prescribes sport as the best form of medicine, and he is committed to keeping up his own sport as a way to manage MS. Hence sports sox and collaborating with sports teams are a big part of our future plans.
MR MONKEY SOX LIVES WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS LIKE JAMES, THEY ALSO HAVE MATCHING GINGER HAIR AND BLUE EYES!His nerves are damaged and messages get “crossed.” His body acts and feels different from left to right, a bit like wearing Odd Sox.
PROUDLY PARTNERED WITH THREE AMAZING CHARITIES
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Mr Monkey Sox is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee.
We donate 50% of net profits directly to our partner MS charities. The remaining profit is re-invested into new stock and new ideas to donate even more money.
OPENING CONVERSATIONS
More than 100,000 people in the UK are living with Multiple Sclerosis and it affects each person differently. We are committed to raising awareness about MS and we know that Mr Monkey Sox makes talking about MS easier. Those living with MS may have visible symptoms like weakness and imbalance, and many invisible symptoms including memory loss, insomnia and low mood. Most people wouldn’t be aware of these hidden symptoms when they meet someone with MS.
SPORTS MEDICINE
Mr Monkey Sox promotes an active lifestyle to help with management of MS symptoms and the general health and wellbeing of all. Whatever the weather or season, join us in staying active and wearing Sox that make you smile!
We live locally to Richmond Cycles, in Teddington, where the Mr Monkey Sox HQ is – The Boathouse Design Studio by Teddington Lock. We are often doing laps of Richmond Park and training in the Surrey Hills, always wearing Mr Monkey Sox of course! We can’t wait to see other riders wearing them, and thank everyone for their support.