Walk to support research for Motor Neurone Disease

Three years ago I began to experience difficulties with my speech, words became difficult to articulate, phrases worse.

In November 2024 I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

MND is a degenerative neurological disease that attacks and destroys the motor (muscle) and neurons (nerves) responsible for voluntary muscle control, leading to progressive muscle weakness, wasting, and ultimately, difficulties with movement, speaking, breathing, and swallowing.

There is currently no known cure, although treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Because I don't know whether I'll still have the use of my arms and legs this time next year, I aim to walk the 1000km Bibbulmun Track in West Australia beginning on 16 September, while I still can.

I walk like a tortoise, and have given myself three months to complete the Track. My aim is to walk as far as I am able - 10, 100 or 1000 km. There is no way I can predict how far my body will take me. I am not fixed on finishing the Trail, but if I do, it will be one heck of a wow moment.

My main reason for hiking is to spend valuable time in the natural environment, allow my senses the intimacy of walking through an ancient ecosystem, and the resulting healing benefits that are now well researched.

I have always considered nature a form of medicine. I ask my friends and family to pledge an amount they are comfortable contributing to finding a cure for this pitiful disease. Thank you for your care.

You can check out my blog HERE