This month, a family is getting ready to run in honour of their “Granny Rona” who lived with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Ten family members are running and walking in the Selwyn Marathon on May the 30th.
Granny Rona was diagnosed with MS in her twenties-thirties and lived a long life. Many of the fundraisers are Rona’s grandchildren and only ever knew her as a wheelchair user. They have decided to fundraise for MSNZ to raise awareness about the impacts of MS and to support people affected by the condition.
When choosing the Selwyn Marathon, the whānau wanted to do something that highlighted the privilege of being able to move their bodies and push themselves physically, something that people living with MS can struggle with every day. Some of the grandchildren are also worried that the uncles in their sixties might beat them!
“We are doing this fundraising to bring more awareness to MS, and as a whānau we are hoping to offer some support to people currently living with MS. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand has been such a huge support to us with this fundraiser, ngā mihi!”
Whether the uncles or the grandchildren win, MSNZ is deeply appreciative and will be cheering them on all the way from the sidelines.
If you’d like to contribute to Granny Rona’s fundraiser, please see their Give-a-Little page: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/running-for-granny-rona-multiple-sclerosis
Last Updated May 20, 2026