You think your loved ones are going to live forever! But, I am quickly learning this is not the case.

In August 2015, my uncle, Steven Hayley, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
In February 2017, just 18 short months later, he was gone.Uncle Steve was only 12 years older than myself and coming from a close family this has left a profound impact on all of us. I prefer to focus on our happy memories of growing up together messing around, (playing silly buggers as my Dad would say) at our grandparents house rather than the memories of his suffering.

An MND diagnosis is devastating, there is no cure. It will take hold of the sufferer and their family fast and send everyone spiralling into a world that they wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy, let alone someone they love.

Motor Neurone Disease has symptoms that are easily dismissed as they can mirror other illnesses. Aching and weak muscles, cramps and muscle twitching can all be put down to something as basic as the flu or a virus. But as the neurones that control our muscles continue to break down, so does the body and the most basic of functions become affected. Slurring of speech, difficulties swallowing and excessive saliva occur when tongue and throat musclesAn MND diagnosis is devastating, there is no cure. It will take hold of the sufferer and their family fast and send everyone spiralling into a world that they wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy, let alone someone they love.

Motor Neurone Disease has symptoms that are easily dismissed as they can mirror other illnesses. Aching and weak muscles, cramps and muscle twitching can all be put down to something as basic as the flu or a virus. But as the neurones that control our muscles continue to break down, so does the body and the most basic of functions become affected. Slurring of speech, difficulties swallowing and excessive saliva occur when tongue and throat muscles degenerate, breathing becomes difficult, weight loss and fatigue occur, cognitive skills are lost and the body becomes a shell. It is a cruel, cruel disease.

For the family watching it is grief beyond comprehension. Thrown into an unfamiliar world of pain and suffering with little hope it is paramount that they have access to resources and support to help them through this time. Without community awareness it is a hard path to walk.

I have always wanted to do something to honour my Uncle Steve so I partnered with a friend of mine and we created a not-for-profit charity organisation called Ride The Wave for MND to raise awareness and money to provide support and help to those who now live with MND.

More information about Motor Neurone Disease can be found here MND Australia

OUR EVENT

On the 6th April 2019, we hosted our first event at one of our local venues, Caves House in Yallingup. Cape Events was the main sponsor and we are excited to continue our partnership with them supporting Ride The Wave for MND.

Our first night was a massive success with Lily Cate wooing guests as they arrived. The evening kicked off with Welcome To County performed by Billy Webb from the Local Wadandi Tribe. Our MC's, Travis and Becky, threw in a little humour throughout the night as the entertainment continued with Mitch Baker, Luke Fox, ARIA award winner BOB EVANS and DJ Mandy B. Special guests included Dr Sue Fletcher and many sporting personalities from the Rugby World to Synchronised Swimmers.

The live auction was a hit, run by David Rumens (who came out of retirement just for the occasion) from Rumens & Co. There were silent auctions, donations of beer, wine and food. The community rallied behind us and we had an outpouring of donations from so many of our local businesses. There are just too many to note here but we will do a full list below.

It was during the planning stages of the event that we realised how many people had been touched by MND. We are so proud of what we achieved, the funds raised will go towards national research and local support. Planning of the next Ride The Wave For MND event will be imminent.