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.
Why did becoming a Challenge Mentor feel like the right role for you?
Because I know what it’s like to feel alone in this fight and I want to cheer on everyone taking on Challenge 27 their own way. Whether they’re walking, running, or doing something completely different.
When we first got mum’s diagnosis, it felt like the world kept spinning while ours stopped. I want others to know they’re not alone and that every effort matters, big or small.
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!
Join Challenge 27 this September
For Katrina, you don’t have to be an athlete to make a difference. You just have to care enough to try. Whether it’s walking, cycling, running or moving in a way that feels right for you, Challenge 27 is about making each kilometre count.
From 1–27 September, join Katrina’s team and challenge yourself to take on 27 kilometres your way to highlight the reality that 27 months is the average life expectancy for someone diagnosed with MND. You’ll be part of a nationwide crew raising funds and supporting vital MND research.
Not ready for 27 kilometres? No problem!
- Move for 27 minutes a day with Jack Riewoldt.
- Or try 27 different movements alongside MND advocate Leanne Sklavenitis to prove every effort counts.
This is your challenge. Your way.