Join Us on an Extraordinary Journey: Climb Kilimanjaro for MND

We’re Mat and Darren Bowling — brothers, fathers, partners, and sons.

Last year, our dad became one of the many people in New Zealand taken by motor neurone disease (MND). It’s a cruel, unforgiving illness. Everyone diagnosed with MND faces the same devastating prognosis: there’re no truly effective treatment options, and no cure.

When we heard the words — “no cure” — uttered by a specialist in a cold hospital ward, we felt crushed. The finality of it evoked an immediate fight or flight response.

It was more than we thought we could handle, but our dad, being the man he is, chose to fight. He fought until he could no longer move, no longer eat, and no longer breathe. In the end, he took his final flight with the same courage he had shown every day of his life.

In that dark time, we found light through the people at Motor Neurone Disease NZ. They cared. They understood. They helped us navigate the pain and confusion of watching a loved one face such a relentless disease.

Now, we want to give back — not just in memory of our dad but for the next family who sits in that hospital room and hears those words. That’s why, next year, we’re taking on the challenge of a lifetime and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

We’ll be climbing with the memory and inspiration of our dad, bonding as brothers, and raising funds to help support the families that are experiencing right now, what we went through last year.

We’d love for you to join us. Climb with us in honour of those who fight daily against MND. Share the laughter, the challenge, and the unforgettable experience of conquering Kilimanjaro together.

Every step up that mountain will help raise awareness and funds for MND NZ to support those affected by MND right now. If the trek isn’t for you, please consider donating. Every dollar raised goes directly to Motor Neurone Disease NZ to make a real difference.

Let’s climb together — for our dad, for your loved ones, and for every New Zealander affected by MND.

–

MND NZ has focused on providing support, information, advocacy, and contributions to research for almost 40 years.

We rely almost entirely on the generosity of donations and fundraisers to make this work possible.

Every step towards conquering the peak will play a vital role in transforming lives for those living with MND.

The funds raised on the Motor Neurone Disease NZ Kilimanjaro Trek 2025 will help provide:

• Practical support through community-based MND Support Advisors.
• Equitable care, timely access to essential equipment, and home modifications.Access to counselling, massage therapy, physiotherapy, and respite trips.
• Funds towards research to better understand the complexities of MND, so that truly effective treatments can be developed, and ultimately, a cure can be found.
• For the first time ever, MND NZ will also be trekking with MND VIC, coming together to conquer new heights. We would love for you to join us on this special trek.

Embark on an unforgettable journey while making a difference for people affected by motor neurone disease. Your adventure begins March 2025.

Find out more or sign up here: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/mndnz-kilimanjaro-2025/

Get $300 off your trip when you book before 9 October

Sign up now, and pay in a way that works for you. With our instalment payment options, you can spread the cost of your trip over time, so there’s no need to wait.

Don’t see payment options that suits? Get in touch with the team today and we’ll work out a flexible plan that works for you!

How it works:

• Register for the Kilimanjaro Charity Trek.
• Use the code SPRING2024 for $300 off when booking before 9 October.
• Pay your way: opt to pay in flexible instalments that suit your budget.

Every step you take on this unforgettable journey will help raise awareness and support for Kiwis living with MND 💙 A huge thank you to our Mt Kilimanjaro 2025 participants Mat, Darren, and Grant 🙏

Find out more here: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/mndnz-kilimanjaro-2025/