Walk 2 D'Feet Motor Neurone Disease

WALK 2 D’FEET MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE NZ NOVEMBER 11th 2018
SUPPORTING PEOPLE LIVING WITH MND AND THEIR FAMILIES

All around the country Kiwis are raising awareness, support and money for the Annual Walk 2 D’Feet Motor Neurone Disease on Sunday November 11th.

Diagnosed with MND in September 2017 David Seymour, father of three says, “I noticed my legs were not working the way these used to. I began tripping and my foot would drop. I would call myself an active person and have gone from that to being in a wheelchair.” David has enjoyed a highly successful real estate career and with his MND diagnosis he decided to stop working about 4-6 months earlier than he planned. “I am so lucky to have Income Protection Insurance, it has been a saviour in my case.” While David does not want to travel overseas at this point he has enjoyed his time with his wife lately, “We have done the length and breadth of New Zealand in our blue Mustang,” he says. Part of the Mustang and other car clubs, David enjoys getting out on the road and being around a supportive network of friends.

“MND is not widely known and understood in the community, we need to take the opportunity to get the message out there. That it’s so devastating for the person with MND and their family, especially because there is no cure.” says David.

Motor Neurone Disease is a fatal neuro degenerative disease and can strike active Kiwi’s often in middle age - changing lives overnight. Over 300 people are living with MND around the country. As this muscle wasting disease progresses it robs people of their movement, speech and eventually their lives.

People living with MND, their families and carers all need support as they face the daily challenges of this debilitating disease. The disease moves quickly, and people usually live between three to five years after diagnosis.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association of New Zealand support team provides free, personalised support and advocacy for almost every person with motor neurone disease in New Zealand, from Stewart Island to Northland.

They work together with people living with MND, and their families, to enable them to have the best quality of life possible.

MND New Zealand Chairperson Lucy Haberfield says, “We provide essential information and support services to people with MND, their families and carers. It's a difficult time for families and our services are highly valued. Delivering services costs money and unfortunately our contribution from Government funding agencies makes up less than 6% of what it costs us to deliver those services.”

A recent study from University of Auckland shows New Zealanders have the highest known rate of motor neurone disease of any county in the world.

Each year more than 100 people die from MND in New Zealand, and over time it has affected thousands of New Zealand families.

“With more people being diagnosed each year in New Zealand we want to be able to reach those affected and provide the best support for people living with MND and their families,” says Carl Sunderland, GM MND New Zealand.

Join and support the Annual Walk 2 D’Feet MND on Sunday November 11, 2018.

Money raised helps continue to offer free support to families affected by MND and fund vital research to help find a cure.

Everyone is welcome to take part, wet or fine we go ahead. A sausage sizzle and raffle will be on site. The theme for the walk is Blue and it’s about having fun.

Walks 2 D'Feet MND are being held all over New Zealand as the main annual fundraiser for MND New Zealand. Half of the funds raised go towards providing support for people with MND and their carers. The other half goes to supporting MND research in New Zealand.

Lucy says, “We need your help! We need people to continue to volunteer in our fundraising efforts and we need you to dig deep to help those dealing with this terrible disease.”

Register or donate online now: www.mndwalk.org.nz You can also create your own Walk 2 D'Feet MND fundraising page.

Need to know: Walk 2 D’Feet MND starts at varied times – check online to find your local walk.

If already registered come and pick up your T-shirt and other merchandise. The walk is suitable for children, prams and wheelchairs. Check with your local organiser regarding dogs on leash at the event. See you there!

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