TWO local sisters have taken up a challenge to walk 50 kilometres each over the month of May in memory of their sister.
Debbie Shea and Sandy McCutcheon are participating in “The May 50K” to raise funds to support research and treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS)
The sisters are participating in memory of their sister Judy McLeod, who battled through MS for decades before her death.
Debbie said MS is a terrible condition which impacts many people.
“Our older sister died from MS, she hadn’t made 60 and it was horrible watching her deteriorate.”
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“I’ve never done anything like this since the walkathons at school so I set myself a $300 target and I met that in just a couple of days,” Debbie said.
The May 50K is a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge where participants are encouraged to walk or run 50, 100 or 150 kilometres in their own time and at their own pace.
All funds raised will support life-changing research into the prevention, treatment and finding a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Sandy said the MS Society were wonderful to her sister during her illness.
“Most people know someone who has MS or who has a sister or brother with the disease. If we can help raise some money to get that research going and keep it going it is worthwhile.
“The MS Society here in Australia were just so good to Judy and Les when Judy was sick. They did a heck of a lot to help Judy stay at home and Les to help look after her. The MS Society is an incredible organisation.” Sandy said.
“MS is a bit like cancer. You get very sick from it and then you go into remission and you can get part of your feeling in the nerves back. But then it comes back again and that’s when people feel really down about it,” she said.
At the time the Ararat Advocate went to print, Debbie Shea had already raised $1,594 and Sandy McCutcheon $761.
People wanting to donate can visit www.themay50k.org and search for either Debbie Shea or Sandy McCutcheon.