Mums with more drive than most

A volunteer-run, self-funding group for medically unwell mothers is desperate for a helping hand so it can continue its enormous workload, reports Sophie Bond.
Donna Johnston leans on the open door of her work-worn Suzuki Escudo. Rust nibbles at the paintwork, there's a kink in the bonnet and several small dings to the body. She seems surprised the car still runs. "It certainly doesn't feel reliable."
The Escudo is one of three late-80s vehicles donated to the Medically Unwell Mums Support (MUMS) group and, like the others, it's worse for wear.
The cars clock up hundreds of kilometres each week, helping mothers all over Auckland get to and from medical appointments, hospital stays and the like. Mrs Johnston, who volunteers for the group, says the cars need servicing urgently and she hopes a kind Aucklander or two will help keep them on the road.
The group does exactly what its name implies: supports mothers with chronic, often life-long illnesses. Mrs Johnston knows how it feels to be in this position - she is a mother with auto-immune disease and a doctor who can no longer practice because of her illness.
"When you're sick and alone it's not a nice place to be. Many of the women we work with suffer from really low self-esteem.
"Vulnerable, judged and isolation are words we hear a lot. Through MUMS, women get to know what their rights are, feel respected and encouraged and have a strong sense of belonging," she says.
Waiheke resident Rae (who preferred we did not use her full name) founded Medically Unwell Mums Support in November 2003 when a mother asked her for general help, support and information on services available for sick mothers.
"It immediately became apparent there were no support groups or agencies specifically designed for mothers with serious life-long medical diseases and illnesses in Auckland or across New Zealand."
She says MUMS' focus is to lovingly support chronically ill mums and work to keep families together. For this, maintaining the cars is vital.
"These vehicles help run the backbone of our community group. Without them, we could not exist and function to the extent and value that we do across Auckland and beyond."
MUMS is an umbrella group of the Waiheke Island Council of Social Services (WICOSS). It has 17 volunteers, 3800 members and is entirely self-supported through regular fundraising activities. Mrs Johnstone says MUMS has developed into a community of mothers who network constantly and figure out ways to support each other.
As well as the practical and necessary transport service, MUMS also offers budgeting support, pampering sessions, child-minding, support persons and care, funeral support, legal assistance and courses in self-confidence and self-defence.
Mummy needs love 

MUMS' three Suzukis need to be serviced and to have rust removed. If you can provide
financial support or mechanical expertise for this urgent need, please ph 027 680 2000 or email: sickmums@live.com