Cups and buckets overflow with aroha to support MND NZ

Pictured above: Michelle's niece Daniella and Michelle's sister Joanne at her Cuppa Tea for MND

In July 2025, the hills of Karaka came alive with the clink of cups raised for a ‘Cuppa Tea for MND’, the squeals of an MND Ice Bucket Challenge, the calls of a bingo master, the quiet plink of teardrops, and the groans of tables laden with delicious treats.

Michelle Williamson’s Cuppa Tea for MND – with her daughter braving an ice bucket challenge outside – was held in a room filled with friends, family, aroha, handmade items, silent raffle goodies and fine bone China cups.

Diagnosed with MND in 2025 aged 56, Michelle gathered her community for a light-hearted and jovial afternoon of fun peppered with many poignant moments. One of those moments saw tears rolling around the room, when Michelle’s daughter Becca read a heartfelt poem she’d written for her mum; her best friend.

Becca was then subjected to the shock of a freezing bucket of water and ice tipped over her in her cornflower blue attire by her dad Daren – much to the delight of the whooping and cheering crowd of spectators in the sunshine.

“The fun, the squeals, the poem, the tears and the love that was so evident that afternoon acknowledged that Michelle and her whānau are on a very challenging journey of their own, but they are certainly not alone,” says MND NZ Regional Support Advisor Rachel Woodworth.

We sincerely thank Michelle and her family for gathering their community to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease NZ by hosting a ‘Cuppa Tea for MND’ and an ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’.

Their incredible efforts raised more than $4,500 to help make time count for New Zealanders living with MND through personalised support, advocacy, education and research.

You can support Michelle and the 400+ Kiwis living with MND by pouring a cuppa or tipping a bucket for MND this Action Month in June. Register now: www.mndactionmonth.org.nz

Every cuppa poured and every bucket tipped makes a difference.