Ready. Set. Drive. Daniher’s Drive launches for 2025 

Engines revved, flags waved, and the unmistakable buzz of Daniher’s Drive filled the air as the 2025 convoy hit the road in style. 

This year’s journey will take participants from the trees to the seas, with the adventure beginning at the iconic Heidelberg Golf Club. Teams gathered bright and early for a morning filled with fun, laughter, and camaraderie. 

Chris and Terry Daniher were on hand, alongside Sunrise’s Sam Mac, to cheer on the teams, wave the starting flags and send the convoy off with energy and good humour. From the very first rev of the engines, the excitement was contagious. 

A big thank you to Heidelberg Golf Club for their incredible support and for providing the perfect backdrop to launch Daniher’s Drive 2025. 

A homecoming to remember 

The first stop of Daniher’s Drive saw the convoy roll into Assumption College, Kilmore, where the school community turned out in force to give a heartfelt welcome. For Neale Daniher, a proud alumnus of the Class of ’78, it was a deeply emotional return to the halls that shaped his early years. 

This visit also marked a special milestone. Neale’s first time seeing the Neale Daniher Community and Sports Pavilion, opened in 2022 and named in his honour. The Pavilion stands as a testament to his legacy, featuring a Hall of Excellence, change rooms, visitor facilities, a grandstand, umpire spaces, a multi-purpose communal area, and a function centre that seats 250 people. It also includes warm-up zones, equipment storage and plaques sharing Neale’s inspiring story. 

Students, staff, and locals lined the Assumption grounds to pay tribute to Neale’s legacy and the ongoing fight he continues to inspire. 

Then the fun kicked into high gear with the inaugural Daniher’s Drive Remote Control Car Race. Current students took on the Class of ’78 and the Drive All Stars in a spirited showdown. Laughter, cheers and a few playful taunts filled the school oval as generations collided in a race for bragging rights. 

It was a perfect moment that captured the essence of Daniher’s Drive. Fundraising, fun, and connection all rolled into one. 

Congratulations to Daniher’s Drive All Stars for taking out the inaugural race and a heartfelt thank you to the students and staff of Assumption College for hosting our first community event of this year’s Drive.  

Food, friendship and the open road 

From Kilmore, the convoy cruised through the countryside to the beautiful Flowerdale Estate in Strath Creek, where rolling green hills and spring sunshine set the scene for a well-earned lunch stop. Drivers recharged, swapped stories and soaked up the community spirit that makes the Drive so special. 

The scenic Yarra Valley provided the next stage of the journey, with winding roads and breathtaking views making each kilometre feel like part of a grand adventure. 

Among the ranges: A night in Marysville 

As the sun dips behind the Yarra Ranges, the convoy makes its way to Peppers Marysville, their home for the night. Nestled among towering trees and crisp mountain air, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a big first day on the road. Tonight, participants will share stories, enjoy a meal, and recharge for another day of adventure. 

Join the Drive beyond the road. Enter the Daniher’s Drive Raffle today. 

You don’t need to be behind this wheel to make a difference this Daniher’s Drive. Join the fight against the Beast that is MND with the 2025 Daniher’s Drive raffle.  

Thanks to our generous sponsors at Jayco, you could win your very own 2025 Jayco Discovery Outback 19.61-3 Caravan valued at $85,990. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the Discovery Caravan combines contemporary design with thoughtful functionality. Featuring a spacious interior, premium finishes, and the latest in Jayco technology, this special-edition caravan offers everything you need for effortless getaways. Your next adventure begins with the Discovery!  

What are you waiting for? Purchase your tickets today for just $40 each or 3 for $100 and get in the draw!  

The raffle is open to residents of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Entries close Sunday, 26 October 2025 at 11:59 PM (AEST). The draw will be held Monday, 27 October 2025 at 12:00 PM (AEDT).  

Join the fight. Together we can beat the Beast. 

A global effort to change the future of MND 

In September 2025, leading researchers, clinicians and MND advocates from across the globe came together with one shared goal. To accelerate progress toward a future free from motor neurone disease (MND).  

The Global MND Research Roundtable, hosted by FightMND, was more than a workshop. It was collaboration in action. With a bit of competition thrown in.  

Building on the foundations of the inaugural 2024 event, this year’s Roundtable reflected the collective wisdom of the international MND research community. Guided by feedback on the Global MND Research Acceleration Strategy and insights from experts worldwide, the agenda focused on the challenges and opportunities that matter most right now.  

Over two days, participants tackled five critical priorities: 

• Biomarker validation: refining the tools to measure disease progression. 

• Asymptomatic disease: understanding the earliest, hidden stages of MND. 

• Human models: building better model systems to test potential therapies. 

• Under-represented regions: understanding the disease in diverse populations, empowering genetic studies through collaboration and strengthening global research equity. 

• Preclinical to clinical development: bridging the gap from lab to patient. 

These are complex problems, but in the room, they felt full of possibility. Conversations sparked new ideas, challenged assumptions and laid the groundwork for real-world impact. It was collaboration at its best. Global, passionate and focused. 

We extend our thanks to the priority champions, whose expertise and leadership guided the discussions across each focus area. Their work in facilitating dialogue and encouraging collaboration was vital in translating these conversations into meaningful actions for the MND community. 

Thanks must also go to Dr Bec Sheean and Dr Gethin Thomas from FightMND, and Dr David Taylor from ALS Canada, whose leadership and coordination made the Roundtable possible. Their vision and commitment ensured every moment counted. We also thank Amanda Nolan and the team at Atticus Now, whose expert facilitation kept discussions sharp, inclusive and action oriented. 

What happens next? 

The Roundtable may have wrapped, but the work it inspired is only just beginning. 

In the coming weeks, a detailed event report will be shared with participants. This report captures the key insights from this year’s Roundtable and will chart the path ahead. 

New working groups are already forming across the five priority areas. These teams will continue the conversations, turning ideas into strategies, and strategies into action. Plans are also underway for virtual follow-up sessions, bringing participants back together to share progress, exchange updates, and keep the collaborative spirit alive. 

The Roundtable was a spark. What follows is a sustained, global effort to push boundaries, challenge norms and drive real change in MND research. 

Stay tuned to our website for new updates on the progress of the work of the 2025 Roundtable.  

A journey for Judy and Jeff: Stawell Gold Diggers join their first Daniher’s Drive 

When the Stawell Gold Diggers roll out for their very first Daniher’s Drive, they’ll be carrying more than supplies and luggage. They’ll carry the memories of two loved ones, Judy and Jeff, and a determination to make a difference in the fight against motor neurone disease (MND). 

Leading the team is Jodie, driving in honour of her beloved mum, Judy. By her side will be her husband Tony and close friends Karen and Jim. Their bond goes deeper than friendship. Karen also knows the heartbreak of motor neurone disease (MND), having lost her father, Jeff, to the disease in 1985. 

For Jodie, the memories of her mum’s diagnosis are still sharp. 

“We noticed Mum had developed a slur in her voice in March 2015,” she recalls. “The local GP thought it could have been a stroke, but the tests came back clear. I happened to be seeing a neurologist myself and mentioned Mum’s symptoms. He wanted to see her straight away, so just two days later we travelled three hours to Melbourne. He noticed fasciculations in her arm immediately and organised for her to be admitted to St Vincent’s for a week of testing.” 

Jodie stayed with her mum throughout, but just two days in, the neurologist pulled her aside and said, “It’s not going to be good news. In fact, it will be really bad news.” 

The next day, Judy sat with the Herald Sun in her hands. Neale Daniher’s story was on the front page. She looked at Jodie and said, “This sounds horribly like me.” 

A week later, it was confirmed. Judy was diagnosed with Bulbar Onset MND. 

“I remember spending the whole trip home Googling what it was and wondering how I was going to tell my parents and family what I knew about the disease,” Jodie says. 

From that moment, everything changed. Living in regional Victoria meant long drives to Melbourne and limited access to MND expertise. Judy’s speech deteriorated rapidly, but her spirit never did. 

“She was an extremely strong woman,” Jodie says. “She spoke her mind openly and made sure everyone knew where she stood.” 

Judy was also clear about her wishes. After a week in hospital where she saw other MND patients in their final stages, she quietly told Jodie she never wanted to reach that point, even writing down her wishes for end-of-life care. 

“We couldn’t find any GPs who would even listen to us about what Mum wanted,” Jodie says. “Two even told us they didn’t want her as a patient if she had an attitude like that.” 

When Judy could no longer eat, her decline was swift. In May 2016, just 13 months after her diagnosis, she passed away peacefully in palliative care, surrounded by her family. She was 72. 

Since then, Jodie has carried her mum’s legacy forward. Each year she’s rallied her hometown by selling Big Freeze Beanies, raising funds and awareness for FightMND. 

This year marks a new chapter for Jodie. She is captaining the Stawell Gold Diggers who are taking part in Daniher’s Drive for the very first time. Their journey will be a tribute to Judy, to Jeff and to all families touched by MND. Every kilometre they cover, every conversation they start, and every community they engage with directly supports MND research and care. Their journey isn’t just a tribute. It’s a meaningful step toward real progress against the disease. 

Enter the 2025 Daniher’s Drive Raffle for your chance to win! 

If you can’t participate in this year’s Drive, you can still support FightMND in the fight against the Beast with the 2025 Daniher’s Drive raffle. 

Thanks to our generous sponsors at Jayco, you could win your very own 2025 Jayco Discovery Outback 19.61-3 Caravan valued at $85,990. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the Discovery Caravan combines contemporary design with thoughtful functionality. Featuring a spacious interior, premium finishes, and the latest in Jayco technology, this special-edition caravan offers everything you need for effortless getaways. Your next adventure begins with the Discovery! 

What are you waiting for? Purchase your tickets today for just $40 each or 3 for $100 and get in the draw! 

The raffle is open to residents of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Entries close Sunday, 26 October 2025 at 11:59 PM (AEST). The draw will be held Monday, 27 October 2025 at 12:00 PM (AEDT). 

Join the fight. Together we can beat the Beast. 

Opening doors to discovery: FightMND travel grant recipients attend PACTALS 2025

At the beginning of September, six Australians with lived experience of motor neurone disease (MND) gathered in Melbourne for PACTALS 2025 and the 12th MND Australia Care Forum. Their attendance was made possible through FightMND’s Travel Grant program, which removes barriers to ensure lived experience is represented at the forefront of MND research and care. 

Breaking down barriers to participation 

As part of FightMND’s broader Care Strategy, the Travel Grant was designed to empower people living with MND, genetic carriers and carers to engage directly with the latest research and care innovations. By covering travel-related costs such as flights and accommodation, the grant makes it possible for recipients to attend in person. Ensuring their voices are included in the global conversation. 

A seat at the table of global innovation 

This year’s PACTALS conference, themed “Towards Precision in ALS/MND Treatments”, brought together leading researchers, clinicians and advocates from around the world to explore cutting-edge developments in treatment and care. The MND Australia Care Forum, titled “From Discovery to Delivery”, focused on turning research into real-world support for people living with MND and their families. 

For FightMND Travel Grant recipients, the opportunity went beyond attending presentations. It meant contributing to the future of MND care and research. Participants were chosen not only for their lived experience but also for their passion, advocacy, and commitment to shaping Australia’s MND landscape. 

As recipient Anthea Smith explains: 

“Travel grants like this remove barriers and make sure the voices of carers and people living with MND are present in spaces that shape research and care. For me, it’s not only about supporting my husband and local community, but also about ensuring lived experience continues to bring heart and humanity to the global MND conversation.” 

This sense of purpose was echoed by Aaron Hinttala: 

“I’m looking forward to sitting in and learning about cutting edge research in the field of MND/ALS. Also, it’s always good to meet others going through a similar struggle.” 

For Joel Forsyth, the grant was recognition of his years of effort: 

“As a carrier of a MND gene, the grant means the effort I have put into fundraising and awareness is being recognised. I look forward to meeting others in the same scenario as me.” 

Amplifying voices, building community 

Beyond the science, the grant also gave recipients a platform to connect, share and strengthen community bonds. 

Grant recipient Pagie Higgins reflected: 

“As someone from the familial MND community and a genetic carrier living at heightened risk, receiving a FightMND PLEx travel grant has given me the opportunity to learn about the latest research and developments that directly affect us. It enables me to share highlights with others in my community, contribute our voice to key conversations, and support stronger peer connections. It also ensures my own understanding stays current when contributing to national and international projects, including guideline development.” 

Fellow participant Michael O’Hehir shared: 

“I feel so fortunate that there is such strong support from MND Australia and the local State associations as well as Fight MND to allow me and my wife to attend this important conference. I’m excited to meet with others connected to the MND community so that we can all learn from each other and share with the community of MND warriors and their carers.” 

Looking ahead 

The FightMND Travel Grant is more than financial support. It’s about breaking down barriers so people with lived experience can take their seat at the table of discovery and innovation. With up to $5,000 for people living with MND and $2,500 for carers and genetic carriers, the grant ensures lived experience is represented where it matters most. 

This year, six Travel Grants enabled Australians to attend PACTALS 2025 and the MND Care Forum. Each of them returned home with new knowledge, stronger connections, and fresh perspectives to share with their communities. Their presence helps ensure that the voices of people living with MND are heard alongside researchers and clinicians. Shaping priorities and driving progress together. 

FightMND will continue to offer Travel Grants in the future, opening doors for more Australians to connect, contribute, and help build a world where no one faces MND alone. 

Stay tuned for updates on the next round of applications.  

Mackenzie’s story: a young mum’s legacy of hope 

Mackenzie never imagined that creating her first Will would become an act of hope. 
In her mid-twenties, with a young family and her future ahead of her, Mackenzie was focused on making practical decisions to protect the people she loved most. Writing a Will was one of those important steps. 

When the online Will platform asked if she’d like to leave a gift to a charity close to her heart, Mackenzie realised she had the chance to create a legacy of care and hope. One that could live on far beyond her own lifetime. 

“I wanted to make sure my family would be looked after,” Mackenzie explains. “But more than that, I realised this was a chance to be part of something bigger than just myself.”  

For Mackenzie, the choice was clear. She included a gift in her Will to FightMND.  

The power of perspective  

Although Mackenzie is lucky to have no personal experience with MND, she understands the profound impact her future gift could have.  

“I am so grateful to have a healthy family and have deep sympathy for those who are living with, or who have lost a loved one to MND,” she reflects. “I hope that by leaving a gift in my Will, one day all families will know MND as a treatable, even curable disease.”  

This perspective embodies exactly what makes FightMND’s community so powerful. It’s people like Mackenzie, who choose to fight even when the battle isn’t their own, who are helping to create the breakthroughs we need.  

Building a legacy of hope  

Mackenzie’s decision represents something profound. A young person choosing to invest in a future she may never see. For families she may never meet. Mackenzie joins many of our supporters who have made similar commitments, creating a powerful foundation for FightMND’s ongoing mission.  

“It is a special feeling to be a part of something bigger than just myself, and I am grateful to be able to leave a donation to FightMND” she says.  

The ripple effect  

Mackenzie’s story reminds us that the fight against MND isn’t just about those directly affected by the disease. It’s about an entire community, young and old, who believe in the power of hope.  

Every gift in a Will, no matter the size, helps support vital MND research and programs supporting Australians affected by MND. It’s supporters like Mackenzie who help ensure this work continues. Building towards a day when no family faces the devastating impact of MND.  

As Mackenzie looks toward the future with her young family, she carries the knowledge that her legacy will extend far beyond her own lifetime. A legacy of hope, community and the unwavering belief that together, we can beat the Beast.

Including a gift in Your Will 

Like Mackenzie, you can make a lasting impact for families affected by MND. After providing for your loved ones, you might consider including a gift in your Will to FightMND by consulting your solicitor or creating an online Will. Just as Mackenzie chose to turn her Will into an act of hope for future generations, your gift can help fund pioneering research, support clinical trials, and provide better treatments for people living with MND.Until 30 September, FightMND is offering you the opportunity to secure your family’s future with an online Will through Safewill and Willed. Both Safewill and Willed offer a simple platform with step-by-step instructions. Please note that after 12 months, a subscription fee will apply. Terms and conditions are available on the Safewill and Willed websites. 

If you’d like to explore the impact your gift could make, our Gifts in Wills Coordinator, Eloise Shepherd, is available for a confidential discussion at [email protected] or (03) 7052 7004. 

Be inspired by Mackenzie’s choice today and leave your own mark on the fight against MND. 

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.” 

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!  

Honouring Brian: Sandie’s story

Sandie grew up in a household full of laughter and adventure, led by her larger than live father, Brian. A natural sportsman he excelled at many different sports. Representing at state-level in rugby and cricket, competing in pennant golf and participating in swimming, body surfing and skiing with equal passion. “He could do any sport he wanted,” Sandie recalls with pride. 

Outside the sporting arena, Brian’s mischievous humour and love of practical jokes brought constant fun to family life. His easy-going nature made everyone feel welcome in his presence.  

Weekends were treasured family times. Saturdays were for golf, Sundays for family lunches with extended family. Summer meant long drives to Cronulla, learning to swim and surf with cousins, celebrating achievements with cakes and creating memories that would last a lifetime. 

But when Sandie was 11, something changed. On a family water skiing outing, her strong and capable father struggled to lift himself out of the water. “Something’s wrong with my hands. I just don’t have the strength in my hands” he said.  

It was the first sign of MND, a disease that would take his life less than three years later. 

The impact of losing her father at such a young age was profound. “Having Dad die when I was 13 had a huge impact on my life. We couldn’t speak about him. It was too painful.” That experience shaped how Sandie lives her life and raises her own children, ensuring she shares meaningful conversations and treasured moments with them. 

Determined to make a difference for future generations, Sandie has included a gift in her Will to FightMND. “It’s been 50 years since Dad died. I wanted to honour his memory. I know it’s going to the top research projects. I really believe it’s going to come together soon.” 

Sandie is driven by hope. Hope for a future where no one endures what her father went through. “Seeing Dad with MND was truly awful. But we’ve invested in such great research now. I really, truly believe a cure is going to be in my grandchildren’s future.”  

For Sandie, including a gift in her Will is about investing in breakthroughs, funding research and supporting clinical trials so families today, and tomorrow, can have more time together. “If it can be used for good and ultimately find a cure, and in the meantime, helping people with MND get through their daily lives, I couldn’t ask for anything more.” 

Sandie encourages others to consider including a gift in their Will to FightMND. “If you’re thinking about including a gift in your Will, it’s a really easy process. Knowing that your gift will be used in the future to help others with MND and to find a cure – It’s a great feeling.” 

Including a gift in Your Will 

After proving for your loved ones, you may wish to include a gift in your Will to FightMND. By doing this, you’re investing in a future where families don’t have to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to MND. 

A gift in your Will to FightMND is the gift of hope. It helps fund vital research, supports clinical trials, and contributes to better treatments and therapies for people living with MND. It’s an investment in a future without MND, so that families like Sandie’s can enjoy more precious time together. 

You may wish to consult your solicitor or create an online Will.  

If you would like to have a confidential discussion about the impact you can have on MND research long into the future, please reach out to Eloise Shepherd, our Gifts in Wills Coordinator, at [email protected] or (03) 7052 7004. 

Last call: sign up and take on Challenge 27

The countdown is on! This is your last chance to register for Challenge 27 before it starts on 1 September. This is the event that pushes you, inspires you and brings us all closer to a future free from MND. 

You’ve met our incredible mentors. 

You’ve seen the fun, tough, and creative challenges they’ve set. 

The weather’s warming up, and the energy is building. 

Now it’s your turn to jump in. 

Challenge 27 isn’t just about moving your body for 27 days. It’s about doing something big, bold and meaningful. And if you’ve been waiting for a sign to get started, this is it.

Sign up for Challenge 27 today 

From 1–27 September, Challenge 27 is your opportunity to move with purpose and join a community taking action against MND. Whether it’s 27 minutes a day with Jack Riewoldt, 27 different movements with Leanne Sklavenitis or 27 kilometres with Katrina Blowers, your effort will power vital research and care. Sign up today, raise vital funds and make every action count.  

From the Flying Fruit Flies to facing MND: Guang Rong’s story

As a performer, a teacher and a father, Guang Rong Lu has spent his life in motion. Today, as he lives with MND, that movement has slowed. But his presence is as powerful as ever. 

Born in Shanghai, Guang Rong grew up in a one-room home with six siblings and no running water. His childhood was shaped by simplicity, scarcity and strong family bonds. At just 11 years old, he left home to train with the renowned Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe, joining his older sister Ping. The training was gruelling, the discipline unrelenting, but Guang Rong thrived. It was there he learned the values that would define his life: precision, perseverance and quiet strength. 

For decades, he performed across China and around the world, becoming a master of handstands, shoulder pole and group acrobatics. But it was in Australia where his legacy would truly take root. 

In the early 1980s, Guang played a central role in the creation of the now-iconic Flying Fruit Fly Circus, helping shape its philosophy of community, creativity and care. He later became Head Trainer, guiding generations of young performers with a steady hand and a warm heart. His impact only deepened when he took up leadership at the newly formed National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), cementing his influence across the next wave of Australian circus artists. 

Those who trained under Guang Rong speak of a teacher who never raised his voice, who led with patience and purpose, and who saw each student’s potential long before they did. His words often carried quiet wisdom — part acrobatics, part philosophy — always delivered with care, and never without humour. 

In 2015, he received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his outstanding contribution to the performing arts. 

Since his MND diagnosis in 2018, Guang Rong’s world has changed. Physically, it has grown smaller. But spiritually, it has never been fuller. He spends his days reading, reflecting, sharing meals with loved ones, and being “Grandpa” to his grandson, Hudson. His body may be in decline, but his presence remains deeply felt. Calm, grounded and full of meaning. 

“Culture will go on, even when we are gone,” he says. “We are just part of the continuation.” 

Learn more about Guang Rong’s story and his journey with MND in the video below.  

Meet Katrina: Reluctant runner, passionate storyteller, Challenge 27 Mentor 

As a renowned journalist, Katrina Blowers is used to sharing other people’s stories. But this story comes straight from the heart. This September, Katrina is taking on Challenge 27 in honour of her mum Elizabeth, who passed away from MND in 2024. A passionate nurse and loving mother, Elizabeth taught Katrina to be a fighter, not a bystander. 

As this year’s 27-kilometre Challenge Mentor, Katrina is running 1km a day for 27 days. Then she is finishing strong with one big 27-kilometre run. It’s well outside her comfort zone. But that’s the point. She’s here to show that courage isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up with heart. 

We caught up with Katrina to hear more about her challenge, her mum and what this community means to her. 

What inspired you to take part in Challenge 27?  

Losing my mum Elizabeth to MND was the hardest thing our family has ever faced. She was a nurse who dedicated her life to helping others and watching MND take that away from her, and from us, left me feeling helpless.   

Challenge 27 gives me a way to channel that grief into action. I can’t bring my mum back, but I can help ensure other families don’t have to go through what we did.  

Has your connection to MND shaped your journey in any way?  

Absolutely. Before losing mum, I took so much for granted. Simple conversations, shared meals, even just hearing her voice. MND strips all of that away so quickly.  

It’s taught me that time is precious and that we can’t wait for someone else to fight the battles that matter. Mum raised me to be a fighter, not a bystander.  

What drew you to take on 27 minutes as your challenge?  

I’m actually doing it two ways: running 1km every day for 27 days, plus a big 27 km run at the end. Honestly, I’ve never been a runner, so both parts terrify me. Which is exactly why they feel right.   

Mum faced something infinitely harder with MND, and she never gave up. If she could fight that battle with such grace and strength, I can push myself beyond my comfort zone for her memory and for the cause.  

What’s one word that sums up how you feel being part of the Challenge 27 community?  

Hopeful. For the first time since losing mum, I feel genuinely hopeful that we can change the outcome for other families. When hope becomes collective, it becomes unstoppable.   

What do you hope others take away from following your Challenge 27 journey?  

That you can tackle 27km your way: whether that’s running like me, walking with friends, or breaking it into smaller chunks over time. You don’t have to be an athlete or have special skills – you just need to care enough to try.  

What kind of difference do you hope to make for those impacted by MND? Big, small, personal or collective?  

Do it your way!  Walk it, run it, break it up over 27 days like I’m doing.  Whatever works for you. You don’t have to have a personal connection to MND to make a difference; you just need to believe that no family should have to lose someone they love from an incurable disease. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.  

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about joining Challenge 27?  

Do it! The benefits are huge. You’ll feel amazing for moving, you’ll connect with an incredible community and you’ll be making a real difference for people living with the beast that is MND. Every step, squat or lift counts. Together, we can move mountains!