KATHRYN RATCLIFFE on MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system. This leads to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting. Kathryn Ratcliffe, from Narooma, is a  a long-time supporter of raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease. Her family carries a genetic version, and she has lost over 10 family members, including her grandfather, father and brothers. 

To raise awareness and to raise funds for research Katherine is taking part in the FightMND's annual road trip. This road trip, known as Daniher's Drive, is in its ninth year. In 2025 it will take place from the 9th to 12th October with more than 250 participants driving through parts of regional Victoria.

MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE (MND)

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system. This leads to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting. MND happens when specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, called motor neurones, stop working properly and die prematurely. This is known as neurodegeneration.

This horrible and debilitating disease gradually takes away the patient’s use of their arms and legs, their ability to eat and swallow, their speech and ultimately their ability to breathe.

Currently, there is no cure for MND and it is life-limiting. The speed at which MND progresses varies for each person. Survival time also varies, but the average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years from diagnosis.

Founded in 2014 by Neale Daniher AO, Pat Cunningham and Dr. Ian Davis OAM, FightMND

has been the voice, and the guiding star for Australians fighting MND and supporting research into the disease.

Neale Daniher, with the support of his family, has been a driving force to raise critical awareness of MND and the need for funding to find a cure with the FightMND organization. Neale himself is currently battling the disease and is this year’s Australian of the Year in recognition of his amazing dedication and contributions. In ten years, FightMND has been able to invest more than $115.7 million in research and care initiatives in pursuit of a life without MND. 

KATHYRN RATCLIFFE

Kathryn's family has been affected by MND and 10 family members have died from the disease. She keen to visit Rotary Clubs to speak about MND and how the diseases impacts on a person and their families. This year she will join a team from the Narooma Lions Football Club as they take part in a 4 day fund raising event know as Daniher's Drive. The team's goal in 2025 is to raise $60,000. They have participated in various Drives as Footy2FightMND since 2018.

CONTACT:

Kathryn Ratcliffe

0423 025686

Kathryn.ratcliffe@outlook.com