A group of Central Coast friends is set to embark on a massive 200km run to help raise awareness and $50,000 for Motor Neurone Disease.
It will be the second time the group has taken on the challenge with the last time being 2019.
The fundraising event, Mind Over Matter, is led by Nik Davies, who sadly lost his father to the debilitating disease.
The run will take place over five days commencing on Friday, September 30, in Sydney and culminating in a finish at the Australian Reptile Park on Wednesday, October 4.
The group convened for the event launch on August 8 in front of the famous Ploddy dinosaur statue at the Park.
“Sadly my dad, Ian Stanley Davies, was taken by the horrendous illness that is Motor Neurone Disease,” Davies said.
“It is in his memory that we have taken up this challenge.
“We are trying to raise money to go to research as there is no cure and meds are not very effective.
“It is so wonderful to have so many people running alongside me to support this important cause.
“Many of my fellow runners have also had close family affected by this horrible disease.”
Motor Neurone Disease is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells – neurones – controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow; undergo degeneration and die.
It is estimated that there are presently more than 2,000 people with the disease in Australia.
Slightly more men than women are diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, most commonly in the 50-60-year age group although it may be diagnosed in adults at any age.
To donate go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/mind-over-matter-run.
There will also be an additional fundraising event post-run on October 14 at Drifter’s Wharf.
Source:
Media release, Australian Reptile Park