Tony’s Journey: Taking Steps for MND at the Auckland Marathon

When Tony Treloar read in our previous newsletter about Jodi Clouston and the ‘Team MND’ she had set up to raise funds for MND NZ at the Auckland Marathon in November, he felt compelled to join her efforts.

Tony, who has been living with MND since 2009, was determined to support the cause and thank Jodi for her dedication, and so decided to participate in the event himself, joining ‘Team MND’.

Being at a stage on his MND journey where he can only walk alone “around 20 metres in very slow, staggery steps”, Tony thought – with the assistance of his 4-wheeled walker, affectionately called his “sweetheart walker” — he’d take on the 11km event and set out to test his limits.

He mapped out a 2.5 km route around his local streets and embarked on a practice walk. It took him 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete.

Exhausted but resolute, Tony reached his parked car only to stumble and take a fall. “I was knackered, with blood everywhere. Us old guys bleed and bleed, but it was just a few abrasions,” he recalls with a wry smile. The experience solidified his decision to do the 5km event instead of the original 11km he planned.

“MND is indeed a slippery slope,” Tony acknowledges, but he’s not letting that stop him.

Tony’s outlook on MND is both profound and inspiring. “The beauty—if you like—of MND is that it involves our neurons going astray….we each have something like 86 billion neurons, and in our worst moments of wondering ‘Why me?’ it helps to remember that about one in three people are having similar neuronal hassles, to varying degrees—Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, migraine, epilepsy, stroke, etc.”

He adds “This means tests and trials are occurring every day all over the world in pursuit of ‘how,’ ‘why,’ and cures”.

Tony also believes New Zealand could be leading some of this research – “I’d then be very happy to be a permanent fundraiser!”

Inspired by Tony’s determination and hopeful spirit, we invite you to join us in making a difference.

Here’s how you can help:

• Join Team MND at the Auckland Marathon: Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to these events, your participation can make an impact. Join Team MND here. https://aucklandmarathon2024.grassrootz.com/mnd-new-zealand/team-mnd

• Donate: Support Tony and others by contributing to vital services and research efforts. https://aucklandmarathon2024.grassrootz.com/mnd-new-zealand/tony

• Share Tony’s story to raise awareness about MND and the work of MND NZ.