Merin’s story of choosing strength every day

When Merin Theres John joined the Credit Risk India team in 2023 as a Senior Analyst, she brought with her a quiet strength forged through years of personal challenge. Her journey with multiple sclerosis – a condition that changed the course of her life began during the uncertain, isolating days of the pandemic.

The diagnosis

It started with something seemingly small, a persistent irritation in her eyes. “I thought it was just strain,” Merin recalls. But when she closed her eyes to rest, she discovered something deeply unsettling – her vision in the right eye had blurred completely. “It was like the world lost its clarity,” she says. And during COVID-19’s peak, when hospitals were overwhelmed and access to care was limited, getting answers wasn’t easy.

Weeks passed before Merin finally received a diagnosis. On April 3rd, 2020, she was told she had multiple sclerosis (MS) – a chronic neurological condition. The news was difficult. “They told me my life would never be the same. That I’d have to quit my studies, stay home, and that my days were numbered,” she says. “It felt like everything I’d hoped and worked for was slipping away.”

But even amid that emotional low, Merin found her way forward.

Her actions

“I grieved for a while, but then I decided, this won’t define me.” The strength of that decision became her anchor. Despite being surrounded by “no, you can’t” and “this isn’t possible,” Merin chose to hold on to what was still possible. “I would focus on what I could do, even if it was something small, and live with joy and purpose.”

By the time she joined NatWest Group, Merin had already learned how to navigate life with her condition—but balancing work and health was never going to be easy. What made all the difference was the support she found here.

“My manager knows about my condition and has always been supportive,” she says. Flexibility became a crucial part of her routine. She was given the space to work during hours that suited her health, feeling truly seen and understood. “My team has always stood by me,” she says. “Whenever I face challenges, they’re the first to lift me up.”

Teams and challenges

One of the most testing moments came in August 2024, when she suffered a sudden relapse while at the office. “I lost vision in both eyes. I was overwhelmed, scared, and far from home,” she recalls. But what followed was something that left a lasting mark. Her senior management and colleagues didn’t hesitate, they took swift action, ensuring she got to a hospital and received the care she needed. “They stayed with me through it all – from checking in, to making sure I had everything. Their kindness was my strength.” With the right support and treatment, she made a full recovery.

Today, five years after her diagnosis, Merin has settled into a rhythm. “Living with MS is my new normal,” she shares. “There are days when fatigue makes even getting out of bed feel impossible. But I’ve learnt that a smile – even a small one can change how I feel, and maybe even someone else’s day too.” She is also an active member of the LGBT+ and Disability Smart workstreams, contributing meaningfully to inclusion efforts across the organisation.

Her reflections are honest and deeply personal. “We all make plans. We set goals, we think we know where we’re going. But sometimes, life has a different route in mind. And that’s okay.” She’s learnt not to get discouraged when things don’t go according to plan. “Adapt. Find another way. And above all, believe in yourself.”

Colleague reflections

Here’s what one of her team leads, Aparna Saroagi has to say about Merin being a part of their team, “Merin is passionately contributing to our DEI agenda. Her innovative ideas bring a lot of value – she is helping us move one of our key processes to low-code Microsoft Power Apps. She’s also involved in our AI experiments, using AIDEN prompts to find solutions for operational errors. Her journey is truly inspiring."

To anyone facing doubts, be it internal or external, she has a simple message: “If something matters to you, don’t let anyone else decide if it’s possible. Listen to your heart, trust your instincts, and keep going.”

Final words

“Strength,” Merin says, “doesn’t come from never falling. It comes from getting up every time you do.”

How we’ll support you

Find out more about some of the ways how we’re helping those with disability build a great career with us!

Inclusion