For Scott, in motion: Isaiah’s MND Action Month challenge

When Isaiah Masters lost his uncle Scott Bowman to motor neurone disease (MND), he didn’t want to sit with the sadness — he wanted to move with it. So, during MND Action Month, he’s turning grief into grit through Scotty’s MND400 — a challenge that’s raw, physical, and deeply personal.

Between 16 and 29 June, Isaiah is committing to 800 push-ups — 400 each week, across four consecutive days — to honour the 400 people living with MND in Aotearoa, and the two lives lost to it every week. He’ll wrap the challenge with a classic Ice Bucket Challenge, in tribute to his uncle, whose spirit remains anything but cold.

The man behind the challenge

“My uncle Scott Bowman was a brilliant, larger-than-life personality,” Isaiah says. “His presence could fill up a room. It was an absolute honour to be associated with him in any degree.”

Scott, who co-founded the Oxford Bird Rescue Trust with his wife Tacey, was known for his deep love of nature, his quick wit, and his passion for Star Wars. He also appreciated a well-crafted beer — especially the 1812 pale ale from Emerson’s, which Isaiah once hand-delivered from Dunedin to Christchurch.

Scott was diagnosed with MND in 2022. And while the disease gradually took from him physically, it never dimmed his spark.

“He never let it take away his spark, though,” says Isaiah. “He was still active on Facebook and making sure he told my dad to make sure I had my head screwed on right while away at university. He was an absolute blessing.”

Scott passed away peacefully in his sleep on 4 June, just as Isaiah was heading into exam season.

“As much as I wanted to mourn and be sad, I really couldn't afford to be emotional at the time, which I felt rather guilty about,” Isaiah shares. “I could imagine his booming voice saying, ‘pull up your socks and get that damn piece of paper.’ If I couldn't be sad, I thought it best I get active and generate some awareness for motor neurone disease in his name.”

A challenge born from love and purpose

That spirit of action became Scotty’s MND400 — a challenge shaped by love and purpose.

“The idea around ‘Scotty's MND400' was to do something different — getting people active and engaged in my uncle's name,” he explains. “I couldn't think of a better way to honour him at the time.”

“We've all done a push-up before. It really is just a simple concept that's easy to follow. Doing 100 in a day would be challenging for most, though. It's not supposed to be easy. But it's a lot easier than living with MND, realistically.”

Isaiah hopes his challenge sparks not just donations, but understanding — and a deeper support presence for those navigating MND.

“MND is a bloody painful condition that honestly doesn't get enough attention as it should,” he says. “People with MND should feel a presence of support behind them as they go through this immensely life-altering occurrence.”

His message is simple and strong:

“Just get active for those who can't for themselves anymore. It’s simple.”

Making time count

Isaiah’s challenge is part of MND Action Month 2025 — a nationwide campaign led by Motor Neurone Disease NZ to raise awareness, honour real stories, and make time count for people living with MND.

You can follow Isaiah’s journey or donate to his campaign at mndactionmonth.org.nz/isaiah-masters.

About MND Action Month
Throughout June, MND Action Month invites Aotearoa to tip a bucket, pour a brew, and make time count for those living with motor neurone disease. It’s about sparking conversations, honouring real stories, and standing in solidarity with the 400+ New Zealanders affected today — and the two lives lost each week. Learn more at mndactionmonth.org.nz.