My Progress
I'm walking 50km this May to leave MS behind
My Progress
51.05km
My Target
50km
Support my challenge to leave ms behind!
In late November 2025 I was diagnosed with Balo’s disease, a rare variant of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Eight weeks before my diagnosis I had presented at the hospital with unusual symptoms that I was unable to describe, other than knowing something wasn’t right. At the time there were no answers and I was not admitted. Eight weeks later, after developing stroke-like symptoms, I was taken by emergency ambulance to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. I spent what felt like the longest week of my life there. On the day I was admitted, I was moved from the emergency department to the neurological ward after doctors discovered a lesion on my brain. The days that followed were filled with constant testing – CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, daily doctor visits, a lumbar puncture, and physical assessments – all to understand what was happening. Given MS presents differently for all individuals, and the rarity of Balo’s disease, it took two separate teams of neurologists and radiologists to reach an agreed diagnosis. Before all of this I knew very little about MS and the idea of it was confronting. I’ve since learned that it’s most commonly diagnosed in people aged 20-40 and around 2.8 million people worldwide currently live with the condition. Before discharge I underwent intensive treatment with three days of high-dose steroids via IV in hopes to reduce the lesion and prevent further growth. I received incredible care and support from the Specialists at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and continue to have regular MRIs and check-ups every three months. To date, the size of the lesion has not changed however we remain positive. After leaving the hospital I spent months in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to regain strength, coordination and function on the left side of my body. I was unable to drive or work for an extended period of time which is something no one can truly prepare you for. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my family, friends and wider network during this time. Now, I’m taking on the 50K in May to raise awareness and funds for much needed MS research – supporting better treatments, prevention and hopefully one day, a cure. This cause is now deeply personal and I’m committed to doing what I can to make a difference. Any support, big or small, means more than I can put into words. Ben ❤️My Achievements
leave MS behind Upload a
profile pic Share page
on Facebook Downloaded Fitness App Receive first
donation Raise $150 to
leave MS behind
My Achievements
My pledge to leave MS behind
Upload a profile pic
Share on Facebook
Receive first donation
Raise $150 to leave MS behind
Raise $250 to leave MS behind
Raise $500 to leave MS behind
Raise $750 to leave MS behind
Raise $1,000 to leave MS behind
Reach fundraising goal
Log first kilometres
Halfway to KM goal
Achieve KM goal
Thank you to my Sponsors
$127.20
Ryan Konzag
$120
Anonymous
So proud of your strength
$106
Ruth & Clint Tobin
Keep fighting — you’ve got this. Every step you take shows your strength and your heart.
$106
Rachel Byrne
So sorry to hear Ben! This is amazing what you are doing and I know you’ll smash this and this disease. So proud of you! Xx
$101
Jb
❤️❤️❤️
$100
Ben & Brydie
$100
Casey & Dave
You’ve got this Legend! ✨
$100
Dollar Match Day
$100
Geoff Hardy
$84.80
Bec
Love you bro, proud of you always.
$84.80
Alex Dellamalva
$81
Jake Gilbert
$80
Dollar Match Day
$80
Anonymous
❤️
$77.70
Chad & Jaye
You got this mate. Proud of you.
$53
Ali D
Keep fighting the good fight Ben! Inspirational that you’re doing this 👍🏼
$53
Brad J
Sorry to hear Ben, all the best
$53
Jane Pearce
$53
Amber
🫶🏼
$52.25
Harvey Bock
🖤❤️
$53
Dianne Duncan
Good on ya Ben.
$53
Chelsea F
You’ll smash it ❤️💙💛
$53
Dollar Match Day
$53
Lewis & Teone
An inspiration to us all 🫶
$53
Emilie, Matt, Ollie And Bodhi
$53
Karrie
$53
Jane Mittiga
Well Done Ben. Keep up the good work 👏
$53
Riley Hill
$53
Renee Bloch
Love you cuz, always proud of you x
$53
Alannah Walters
$51
Amie Mittiga
We are so proud of you bestie!!! We will walk alongside you forever Love Amie and Dave xx
$51
Dollar Match Day
$50
Cody M
You got this my dude ❤️🔥
$50
Heath Colebatch
$50
Harry, Summer And Hugo
$50
Dollar Match Day
$42.40
Michelle Goldfinch
Keep up the good fight…
$42.40
Bo Roper
All the best Hards_30 x
$42.40
Britt
Sending so much love, Ben xx
$31
Kez + Zeppy
🤍🤍
$31.80
Bri
Smashed your goal, congrats!
$26.50
Oscar Talbot
To the goat coach
$26.13
Caz, John & Jack
Sending our love from far away.. you and yours are in our hearts. Love you, Ben.
$21.20
Dollar Match Day
$21.20
Kathryn Woods
$21.20
Leah M
$21.20
Kel, Brendan And Charlie 🤍
Go Benny Boy!
$21
Elliot And Tori Sarney
$21.20
Jed Obst
Good on ya Hardy, keep working on those pipes too 💪
$21.20
Abby
go ben! ⭐️
$20
Nanna Yvonne
Proud of you, Ben.
$10.60
Pod
All the best in your challenge this month, and also very sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Love ya hardy
We are all right behind you Benny.