All about MS Queensland’s Brissie to the Bay

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibres, causing inflammation and scarring (sclerosis). This disrupts nerve signals, leading to a wide range of symptoms that vary in severity, including fatigue, muscle weakness, vision problems, numbness, coordination difficulties, and cognitive impairment. MS is unpredictable, with symptoms fluctuating over time and potentially leading to disability. While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression, improving the quality of life for those affected.

MS Queensland have operated for over 65 years, and exists to connect Queenslanders living with neurological conditions to new possibilities and better lives through community, services, support, events, research and neuro wellness initiatives. We recently caught up with Courtney Allen from MS Queensland, to find out more about the charity, their fundraising and of course MS Brissie to the Bay, which celebrates 35 years on Sunday 15 June.

‘The heart of what we do at MS Queensland is providing support and services for people living with MS. We also provide support and services for people with other neurological conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, dementia and more.’

‘We work with the community to provide a range of services, including the Neuro Assist help line that people can call at any stage of their journey; from when they are first diagnosed or if they are going through a new phase of their diagnosis. This is a help line that their friends, family or carers can use for information or referrals.’

MS Queensland also provides an MS Nurse Advisory service whichprovides one-on-one advice, referrals and information to help with diagnosis, treatment options and concerns.  They even provide individualised housing options and daily living supports for safety, peace of mind and independence.

Like Bicycle Queensland, MS Queensland are involved in advocacy work as well, to spread awareness and understanding of neurological conditions, leading to improvements on how they are diagnosed, treated and supported.

‘We know now that 1 in 4 Queenslanders are living with a neurological condition that causes disconnection from their families and communities, so it is a pretty widespread area of interest – a lot of people are impacted by it. However many services provided by MS Queensland are only possible because of fundraising events like the MS Brissie to the Bay.

The MS Brissie to the Bay is a very popular charity ride, with around 6000 riders taking part each year across the different event distances. Like most charity events, it is not a race and is designed to be suited to a wide variety of riders. Whether that is people wanting to support MS Queensland, or those riding in support of friends or families with neuro conditions.

 ‘It is our flagship event and our largest event that runs in Queensland. Last year we raised almost $1million which was absolutely incredible. It is a great event to be part of.’

MS Queensland have a wide range of other fundraising events, like the MS Moonlight Walk held at Roma St Parklands in October, and of course the MS Readathon, which countless people across the whole of Australia would have taken part in.

So, what does fundraising from the MS Brissie to the Bay support?

‘The fundraising specifically funds the support for people living with MS and neuro conditions that isn’t available by other means. We do have some great services that are thankfully funded by other areas, but some crucial services aren’t. This includes helping people to navigate systems that are confusing to use and helping people with neurological conditions apply for access to the NDIS. The Neuro Assist helpline is also fully funded by the crucial fundraising from the event.’

Besides taking part and fundraising in the MS Brissie to the Bay, there are other ways you can help MS Queensland, as Courtney told us.

‘For anyone wanting to help, sharing awareness and information around the MS Brissie to the Bay ride makes a big difference and highlights the need around why we host this event. For those who can’t ride, they can also come along to the event as part of our Cheer Club. We have a beautiful group of supporters at the end of the ride to cheer all the riders who come across the finish line after completing some epic challenges.

Of course, the other great option is to donate your time as a volunteer. Like any not for profit or charity group, MS Queensland relies on the generous donations of time from volunteers.

‘We have volunteering options from March right through until June, where people can help us in the lead up to the event getting things ready – or they can join us on event day as well, both at the Event Village or out on the course as a marshal.’

‘It is really rewarding being at the finish line at Musgrave Park and seeing so many incredible people there for one goal, to support people living neuro conditions . It is a really special day to be a part of, and there is a lot that you can help with as a volunteer.’

Do you want to volunteer? Click here.