Step up and Walk 2 D'Feet MND

Walkers at a previous Walk 2 D'feet MND fundraisers.

The symbol for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) national charity is a cornflower, chosen because the hardy plant has a reputation for weathering all storms.

People living with MND face challenges every day. They have no option but to get on with life the best they can.

This cruel disease causes sufferers to gradually lose control of every part of the body. The causes of the disease are unclear and there is no known cure.

Which is why the annual fundraising event Walk 2 D'feet MND, in Hamilton on Sunday November 12, will go ahead whatever the weather.

"In the previous two years it has poured on the day of the walk - but we just ignore it and keep going," says local MND volunteer helper Lesley Saville.

"We do aim to have some fun though, says Lesley. The theme for the 4km walk around Hamilton Lake is Blue and Fun with anyone welcome to take part and encouraged to dress in cornflower blue - or as close as possible.

Register now on line and order the official T-shirt. Go to mnda.org.nz/help-us/w2df/ where you can also create your own Walk 2 D'Feet MND fundraising page.

You may also register on the day from 9am at Innes Common or if already registered come and pick up your T-shirt and other merchandise.

After the walk - at about 11.30am - there will be an auction of donated items and a barbecue, says Lesley.

Walks 2 D'Feet MND are being held all over New Zealand as the main annual fundraiser for MND New Zealand. Half of the funds raised go towards supporting MND research in New Zealand, and the other half to MND New Zealand to continue its work providing support for people with MND and their carers.

The Hamilton walk starts at 10am led by a Caledonian pipe band. Children are welcome.

The walk will be wheel-friendly for wheelchairs, prams and strollers.

"Be prepared for all weather. Wet or fine, we go ahead," says Lesley.

About MND

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name of a group of diseases that cause the death of the nerve cells (neurones) that control the muscles that enable people to move, speak, swallow and breathe.

With no nerves to activate them, these muscles gradually weaken and waste away. This causes progressive loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. The progression varies significantly from person to person.

MND is an uncommon, but by no means rare disease.

The number of people living with MND at any one time is approximately one in 15,000.

There are many theories about the causes of MND. These include exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals, infection by viral agents, immune-mediated damage, premature aging of motor neurons, loss of growth factors required to maintain motor neuron survival and genetic susceptibility.

Researchers worldwide continue to try and find out what causes MND with the ultimate goal of discovering how to stop, slow down or prevent the disease.