The 27 Challenge – Fight MND (Simon’s Story)

Simon’s Diagnosis

Simon was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) about 15 months ago. Simon and his young family had their lives turned upside down, moving back to Australia from their home in Singapore to be closer to extended family.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which neurones fail to work normally. Instead, it plays havoc with your nervous system and gradually weakens the muscles, making it difficult to move, speak, swallow and even breathe. The prognosis is dire, with an average life expectancy after diagnosis of just 27 months.

Working with ARC

Simon has lost function in his left arm. He has been working with ARC EP Marlou and physiotherapist Laurel since May 2021. He has been working hard with his therapy. He has been put him through his paces on his bike trainer, in the pool and doing leg strengthening. As a result, Simon has improved his cardiovascular endurance, and lower limb and core strength muscle endurance over the last six months, an impressive feat for someone with MND.

The 27 Challenge

MND is a disease that is only going to be cured through further research. FightMND is an organisation raising awareness about Motor Neurone Disease – helping fund treatments and ultimately a cure. Every year the FightMND 27 Challenge aims to bring people together, be active and have fun while raising vital funds for research and care equipment to improve the lives of those battling the disease.

On 27th November, Simon will be challenging himself to cycle 27 times around Centennial Park – a distance just shy of 100km. For someone who has cycled a fair bit over the last 10yrs this would typically have been a (no pun intended) stroll in the park, but riding with essentially one arm will take a huge effort for Simon.