Walk to Defeat MND is back this February!

Walk to Defeat MND is back this February! 👏

Walk to Defeat MND brings New Zealanders together to walk in honour, memory, and in support of people affected by motor neurone disease (MND), while raising awareness and much needed funds for support and research to help stop MND in its tracks.

MND is a terminal neurological disease that progressively takes away a person’s ability to walk, talk, feed themselves, swallow, and ultimately breathe.

There are around 400 people with MND at any given time across New Zealand, and there is no truly effective treatment and no cure.

MND is aggressive and relentlessly progressive – 50% of people die within the first 30 months of symptom onset and only about 20% survive longer than 5 years¹.

Motor Neurone Disease NZ supports people living with motor neurone disease, their carers, families/whānau, and health professionals through support, education, advocacy, and research. We provide this free of charge and without any government funding.

Community walks are volunteer organised and take on the atmosphere of the communities they are held in. Some are big, vibrant events, with raffles, food, music, and entertainment, while others are smaller gatherings that almost take on the feel of a big family reunion.

All events are positive, powerful, colourful, community-building and life-affirming. People from all walks of life find strength together, united by their experiences with MND, with the shared purpose of creating hope for others.

Whether you dress up in blue and walk alongside friends and whānau at a community event, make tracks with a personal walk challenge, or get involved with both, you’ll be joining thousands of people across Aotearoa walking in solidarity to defeat MND.

Take part in Walk to Defeat MND this February to support those affected today, and fund research to find meaningful treatments and ultimately a cure.

• Community walks and virtual challenges take place between 1-29 February 2024.
• Registrations to participate open 29 November 2023.

Could you host a Walk to Defeat MND walk in your community?

Anyone can volunteer to organise a Walk to Defeat MND community event, whether you are affected by MND or not. It’s a wonderful way to meet and support other people in your community. Plus, we’ll be here to provide guidance, resources and support 💙

Email to request a Walk Organiser Kit or find out more.