People across Australia prove COVID-19 is no barrier to supporting people with MND

Australia Moves for MND (AM4MND) has raised an amazing $220,327 for motor neurone disease (MND) care, support and research, despite the lockdowns and many challenges of life with COVID-19.

The campaign, a virtual event in which people set themselves goals for moving their bodies, was the first ever national fundraising campaign held by Australia’s national network of MND Associations.

Participants walked, ran, boxed, did squats or even eyebrow boogies to challenge themselves, or just for fun, and shared their stories of moving for MND through Facebook and other social media.

Sadly, COVID-19 restrictions led to the cancellation of many of the MND Associations’ fundraising activities, including the popular Walk to D'Feet MND events, so AM4MND became a key fundraiser this year.

From the 3 May this year, the beginning of MND Week 2020, until Global ALS/MND Awareness Day on the 21 June, over 180 people joined the Australia Moves 4 MND campaign.

The Movers for MND showed they could still raise money for MND during the pandemic, safely, in line with government restrictions, and while doing things they enjoyed. 

We took a look at just a few great moments from the campaign and what’s in store for 2021.

Going the Distance for MND

Movers were not afraid to push their bodies to the limit for MND, and sometimes far beyond.

Whether it was running to beat a personal best, ditching the car to ride a bicycle to work or hitting the pavement for push-ups every day, Australia Moves 4 MND racked up some impressive numbers and achievements.

Joe, from Victoria, who lost his wife to MND, walked 2,100kms over 50 days of the fundraising period – 1 km for each person in Australia living with MND.

Jake Parker, from Queensland, ran a 42 kilometre marathon on Global MND Awareness Day, inspired by the loss of his mother from MND, and a passion to improve awareness of the disease.

MND Australia board director Jemma Scott also pulled on her running shoes to complete an exhausting but exhilarating 100km run for the campaign.

The Eyebrows Have It

You didn’t need to be a fitness guru to move for MND. Some movers were inspiring not only for their compassion, but also their creativity when coming up with challenges for the campaign.

The incredible 104 year-old Irene from South Australia taught us that you don't have to run a marathon or climb Mt Kosciuszko to support people living with MND, any kind of movement counts, even a simple walk to the kitchen stove.

A mover from Victoria found some of the cutest moves for MND by managing to get her dog in on the act, who it turns out is very skilled at giving high-fives for a good cause.

Of course, few could top Kirsten Harley’s disco inspired eyebrow dancing. Kirsten was diagnosed with MND in 2013, and while her body is completely paralysed, except for her face, she continues to write about her experience, spend time with her family and raise awareness of MND.

All the movers did a fantastic job, however, and these are just a small selection of stories that help to give a sense of the generosity and dedication of so many people during the campaign.

Money Raised for MND Care, Support and Research

The movers have raised money that will make a real difference to helping people living with MND.

Donations for care and support help the state MND Associations to continue providing vital services to people living with MND and their families, like the provision of wheelchairs, hoists and other equipment, and education and information about managing MND symptoms, carer wellbeing, and accessing services.

Funds raised for research help MND Research Australia to continue investing in research projects that have the best chance of understanding the causes, developing effective treatments, improving care and finding a cure for MND. All research is scrutinised and endorsed by the experts to ensure that donations fund only the best ground-breaking research.

See you in 2021!

There is no doubt that money can be raised for helping people living with MND in Australia, with or without a pandemic, and the Movers for MND have set a great example for what we can achieve in the future, together.

Planning Australia Moves for MND in 2021 has already started. You can keep up-to-date with launch dates and tips on how to take part at www.am4mnd.org.au – how will you move?