Going the distance for a cure: Nikole’s story
For Nikole Neal, running has been a part of life for the better part of 30 years. She’s pounded the pavement in countless races, but until now, fundraising has mostly been reserved for the Mother’s Day Classic.
This year, something changed.
When she signed up for the Sunshine Coast Half Marathon, a name jumped out at her from the registration page. FightMND.
“It was a no-brainer,” Nikole says. “My mother-in-law passed away in March this year from motor neurone disease (MND), two years after being diagnosed. Watching her lose her independence, her joys, her ability to function and her life was heartbreaking. The saddest of all was losing precious time with her three-year-old granddaughter.”
Nikole had been searching for a way to honour her mother-in-law. The race, and the chance to run for FightMND, felt like perfect timing. “She was always one of my biggest supporters and would always watch my tracker when I raced,” Nikole recalls.
More than 2,700 Australians live with MND. Every day, two people will die from the disease — and two more will receive a diagnosis. Through her fundraising, Nikole has seen firsthand how far-reaching MND really is. “It amazes me that for a disease that is considered quite rare, we know a number of people whose family or friends have been affected by it,” she says.
Running for a reason
Nikole set a modest target of $1,000, mindful that people were doing it tough financially and that she had recently fundraised for another cause. But the support was overwhelming. She hit her target a week before race day, upped it to $1,500, and kept going.
Her aim is simple. Raise awareness and help fund the research needed to one day find better treatments, or even a cure. “I don’t think I can, as one person, have an impact on someone living with MND. But if people see me running for it, maybe they’ll know there are people out there trying to make a difference in the tiniest way.”
More than a personal best
For Nikole, running has always been a solo pursuit. Time to think, reflect and sometimes work through frustration or grief. Races are her way of pushing herself and the finish line is always emotional. “If I did a collage of my finish line photos, I am almost always crying. It’s the joy of finishing a race which not everyone gets to experience.”
On Sunday 3 August, Nikole took on the Sunshine Coast Half Marathon with grit and determination. “The privilege of standing at a start line is never lost on me. When you see loved ones robbed of basic functions like being able to scratch when you’re itchy, you realise just how well we have it and what an honour it is to be able to participate in fun runs of any length.”
So, what is Nikole’s advice to others considering fundraising for FightMND at their next major running event?
“Please, please, please do it! It’s not about the time or the PB, it’s about doing it for those who can’t, raising awareness, celebrating life, and supporting those who feel alone. We are capable of far more than we realise and should make the most of it while we can.”
Get moving. Get involved. Get fundraising!
When you fundraise for FightMND, you’re not just raising money. You’re powering life-changing research and support for Aussies living with MND. Whether you’re lacing up for a run, hosting a trivia night or turning your next celebration into a fundraiser, every effort makes a difference in the fight against the Beast.
Are you ready to make a difference? Jump onto our Fundraise for Us page and join the FightMND Army today!