are-able raises funds to fight MS

FIFTY KILOMETRE FUNDRAISER GETS DON CLOSER TO RUSSIA

Fundraising plans are going gangbusters for Maryborough man Don Calder, with Bendigo runner Ryland Bell planning a 50-kilometre walk to help Don access treatment in Russia.

‘Walk for Don’ will take place at Bendigo gym Human Mechanics on March 8, with the public invited to come along to 41 Howard Street, Epsom and help Ryland achieve the massive milestone distance.

Although both men share debilitating health conditions and are both linked through are-able – Don as an Employment Consultant at the Maryborough branch and Ryland as a client with the Bendigo branch – the pair will meet for the first time at the March 8 fundraiser.

Bendigo are-able team leader, Kaitlin Smith, said the initiative was both heartfelt and inspiring.

“Ryland was keen to get behind Don’s project and we think it’s a great way to spread the word. There’ll be a free sausage sizzle, spare treadmills for members of the community to help clock up a few ‘kays’ and we’ll pass the hat around to hopefully raise money and get Don to Moscow for the stem cell transplant,” said Ms Smith.

“I’m blown away by Ryland’s generous offer. Despite his own health issues, he smashes out marathons and then sticks his hand up to help me out. Absolutely amazing,” said Don. He also thanked Human Mechanics for donating the venue and treadmills for the day, and said he and his four-year-old daughter Kenzie were delighted to see the fundraising target inching closer to the $100,000 goal.

If he meets the target, Don will travel to Moscow, Russia, to receive a new and promising treatment called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. The costly procedure is not yet available in Australia; however, it shows strong results in stopping the progression and activity of MS.

If you can’t get to Human Mechanics on March 8, funds can also be donated through this link to the Go-Fund-Me platform.

For more information, please contact Laura Gramss – are-able Warrnambool