MEET Michelle
Michelle was our top fundraiser for the 2025 The May 50K! We are so lucky to have her join us again this year!
Michelle was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. MS is unpredictable and everyday can look different for people living with the disease. Michelle’s symptoms started with optic neuritis, causing partial blindness in one eye, but over the years it has developed and now include muscle tremors. Some days the pain makes it unbearable to even walk.
Michelle signed up to The May 50K during it’s very first year in 2019 and has been dedicated to raising vital funds for MS research ever since. 2026 will be Michelle’s 8th time taking on the challenge, and year after year she has been increasing her fundraising and distance goals, locked in a lively competition with herself to see how much she can beat her previous results. Go 2026 Michelle, we’re cheering you on!
Last year (2025) was my biggest fundraising year with over $21,000 raised. I will continue to complete The May 50K as long as my body allows me.
Michelle walks everywhere, using daily activity to get her steps in, such as walking to the supermarket or cafe in the morning. Encouraging friends to join her is easy, everyone knows that the funds raised goes towards research into the prevention, treatment, and finding a cure for MS. Michelle says that it is the support from her friends and family that help her stay motivated throughout May.
I always have someone egging me on to complete more kilometres than the last year and a group of people who just join me on a walk to keep me company because they can and that the way they show their support.
Michelle’s favourite part of The May 50K is the support and encouragement within the Facebook community group (go join The May 50K Australia Facebook group!). The group is filled with the most amazing past and present participants, as well as our key motivators such as Michelle, who are there to celebrate your achievements, support you during tough times during the month, and encourage you to keep moving and fundraising.
As the top fundraiser from 2025, Michelle says her favorite fundraising tip is to use your community to share your fundraising page far and wide. Ask them to share your page with their friends, family and colleagues. Even if they are unable to donate themselves, spreading awareness is another great way they can support you.
Here is a special message Michelle has for her fellow The May 50K participants:
I wish thank all those very clever people for the research into new medications to treat this chronic illness and also ALL those that walk, run, roll or ride to raise the much needed funds.
Through supporting The May 50K, you are accelerating research into prevention, better treatments and ultimately cures for multiple sclerosis.
