The Firies Climb for MND was created in 2015 by firefighter Matt Pridham after his best friend, Adam Regal, was diagnosed with MND. After learning that there was no known treatment or cure, they became determined to join the fight to find one. Together, they pledged to raise as much money and awareness for MND as possible.

All funds raised go to Prof. Dominic Rowe's Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research. It is the largest MND research centre in Australia, receives no federal or state funding to operate and is completely run through the support of public donations and research grants. All researchers work together in one facility, on one topic, with one vision: a world without MND.

You can join or donate here https://firiesclimbformnd.org.au/cms/home

On June 22, 2023, Ron “Hobbo” Hobden’s life changed in a single sentence: You have motor neurone disease. No cure. No treatment. Just a brutal countdown he never saw coming.

A week earlier, the 40-year-old rugby player, devoted husband, and proud dad to Lizzie, 5, and Henry, 3, had been training for a marathon. Fit, strong, and full of plans, he had no reason to imagine his future would be cut short.

“I remember Annie sitting beside me, trying to hold back her tears,” Ron recalls. “All I could think about was our kids. How do you tell them their dad is dying?”

Instead of surrendering to despair, Ron made a decision that day: MND would shape his life, but it would not define it. It might take his body, but it would never take his fight, his love, or his determination to inspire others.

Damian Andrews was 42 years old when he was diagnosed with MND.

Damian says he is going to "ride until he dies"

He and his wife Jane & their 3 boys live in Hervey Bay in QLD.

They are a dynamic family. Living every day the best they possibly can with MND.

They are also absolute champions, raising awareness of MND through their Facebook page which you can join here and throughout the media.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556505521638&sk=mentions

They are also selling "merch" with all profits going to Fight MND https://damiansjourney.deco-apparel.com

Dr. Christen Chisholm is a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Wollongong in Australia where she trained in the lab of the late Professor Justin Yerbury. She recently completed her PhD which focused on the development of an antibody based BioPROTAC therapeutic to specifically reduce levels of misfolded SOD1, a toxic protein species associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Her work also focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cellular protein degradation and strategies to harness these pathways as potential therapeutic avenues in the treatment of ALS.

Christen is also a long time friend of the Yerbury's .`

Professor Bradley Turner is Head of the Motor Neuron Disease Group and Research Lead of the Brain Health and Repair Mission at The Florey Institute. His group has a broad research interest in neurodegenerative diseases affecting the voluntary motor system in the brain and spinal cord. His team focuses on MND.

This is a very brief summary but if I spoke of all the research and publications we would be here all day.

Brad has a huge brain and a huge heart.

In 2022, Peter’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with MND. While initially confronting, this diagnosis became a catalyst for transformation. Rising above feelings of helplessness, Peter stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, embracing a renewed sense of purpose: to turn his personal journey into a platform for advocacy and hope.

As an Ambassador for MND Australia, Peter is passionately committed to raising awareness by amplifying the voices of those affected; as well as fostering greater understanding, compassion and meaningful change around this devastating disease.

Peter is an accomplished professional with extensive experience within the private, public, and non-profit sectors; encompassing leadership, behavioural change, stakeholder engagement and governance. Peter also served with distinction in the Royal Australian Air Force for over 35 years, an experience that shaped his resilience, discipline, and deep sense of purpose.

Dr Rowan Hearn is the Clinical Director Palliative Medicine at Calvary Health care.

Rowan supports the improvement of quality and safety in palliative care, having served as a member of the Governance Committee for the Palliative Care Clinical Network for the Department of Health, and Co-Chair of the Network’s Expert Working Group for Care of the Dying Person.

Dr Hearn is active in research into Neuro Palliative Care and telehealth with further research interest in carer support. Prior to working at CHCB Dr Hearn spent 15 years working in the National Health Service (NHS) in London, during which time he completed a Masters in Medical Ethics and Law and was lead for clinical governance for his service.