Help me mind my own business.

Help me mind my own business

In September this year, I’m riding around Victoria (1500 km) to raise money for MS Australia, and then in April next year I’m cycling around Australia (20,000km) over the course of a year also as a fundraising exercise. I will be the first person with MS to do so.

The reason this story is different from others is due to its backstory. In September 2018 I was diagnosed with MS but in September 2019 I woke up paralyzed from the neck down, three weeks in hospital and four months in outpatient rehab saw me regain most function. Six months later I rode from the north of Vietnam to the south. In September 2023. I rode solo 850 km through Spain

But the greater story is where to from here. Due to MS and Covid I lost my business. In my struggle to keep it alive. I discovered there is very little support for business owners with chronic illness or disability, so I decided to attempt to change that reality for other business owners with chronic illness. I have set up a not for profit organization called ‘help me mind my own business’ as an advisory service for people diagnosed with chronic illness. Providing a holistic approach to navigating life ( including running a business) with chronic illness with variety of support is my long-term dream. Cycling around Australia is about starting that conversation. I firmly believe many people with chronic illness or disability could run a business enabling them to be both financially independent and regain a sense of meaning and purpose. They just need some support to achieve that. I also believe my story is a catalyst for others to find Hope of fulfilling an active life post diagnosis

I have a month till I leave to ride around Victoria so the urgency of finding funding is critical. I am asking for your help to amplify this issue. Finding sponsorships/funding to undertake such a massive undertaking has been difficult and I’m hoping that getting my story out to a wider audience can enable me to find necessary funds.

I’d be extremely grateful if you could help me realize my dream of helping others.