Tauranga residents will have a chance to walk for those who no longer can this weekend, at the annual Walk 2 D'Feet Motor Neurone Disease.
Motor Neurone Disease is a fatal neuro degenerative disease and often strikes active Kiwis in middle age. The muscle wasting disease progresses quickly, robbing people of their movement, speech and eventually their lives.
New Zealanders have the highest known rate of motor neurone disease of any county in the world, with more than 100 deaths from MND each year.
The Motor Neurone Disease Association of New Zealand provides free personalised support and advocacy for people living with MND and their families.
'It's a difficult time for families and our services are highly valued,” says chairperson Lucy Haberfield.
'Delivering services costs money and unfortunately, our contribution from government funding agencies makes up less than six per cent of what it costs us to deliver those services.”
Walks 2 D'Feet MND fundraising events are held all over New Zealand, with half of the funds raised going towards providing support for people with MND and their carers, and the other half to support MND research.
The Tauranga event, including a 3km or 5km walk, will be held at Fergusson Park in Matua from 10am on Sunday, November 11.
Local MND walk organisers Tanya Gilchrist and Richard Kluit say everyone is welcome to take part, whether it's wet or fine. 'The theme for the walk is blue, and it's about having fun,” they say.
The Kaimai Express band will play, and a sausage sizzle, coffee cart, Mr Whippy, lamb burgers, Christmas cakes and more will be available for purchase. A silent auction will also take place, along with a dog parade and a corporate challenge.
Register or donate online at: www.mndwalk.org.nz
The walk is suitable for dogs, children, prams and wheelchairs.