A group of Central Coast friends has completed a massive 200km run to help raise awareness and $50,000 for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.
Led by local doctor Nik Davies, the Mind Over Matter group crossed the finish line on October 3, having raised $35,000 towards their goal, with fundraising to continue.
This is the second time this group has taken on the challenge, with the last time being 2019.
The 200km run started on Friday, September 30, in Sydney with runners facing extreme heat over the long weekend.
But they pushed through and finished on time and in good spirits.
“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.
“It was extremely difficult to complete, however I thought of the extreme pain and debilitations that Motor Neurone Disease causes its sufferers, and it helped me push through.”
Fellow runner Salim Nathwani said he didn’t think the team would make it.
“It was extremely hard but I’m so proud of Nik and the rest of the boys,” Nathwani said.
“We were pushed to our limits but we did it for an amazing cause.”
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 to 60-year age group
But it may be diagnosed in adults at any age.
Mind Over Matter will hold an additional fundraising event post-run on October 14 at Drifter’s Wharf.
To learn more and to donate, head to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mind-over-matter-run
Source:
Australian Reptile Park
Terrible disease. my friend died from it and I know of another man currently living with it.