The Walk to Defeat MND Brisbane is on 19 May from 9AM at New Farm Park. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and support a loved one living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) or to pay tribute to someone they’ve lost to this devastating condition by walking or rolling 2 km to 4 km. Our Walk Champions, Arthur and Michelle, will lead the walk this year.
Our Walk Champions, Arthur and Michelle!
We know MND has directly impacted many in our community, which is why you choose to make a difference. Your ongoing commitment to making a positive impact is commendable, and we've introduced the Walk Champion initiative to celebrate people like you!
Before each Walk, we're asking a family or individual in our community who is participating for a loved one living with MND or is paying tribute to those they've lost to this devastating condition to be Walk Champion. The Walk Champion leads our meandering river of blue with purpose, and we'll share their wholehearted reasons for walking.
Arthur and Michelle's Wholehearted Reason
Walk Champions Arthur and Michelle are walking to honour their Wife and Mum, Laurelle, and their Daughter and Sister, Amanda. Michelle and Amanda were only 10 and 6 when MND took their Mum’s life. Heartbreakingly, two decades later, Amanda was diagnosed with MND at only 27. After a yearlong battle, Amanda passed on her terms on 12 Feb this year in familiar surroundings, spending time with family in her last days.
Laurelle, Arthur, Michelle and Amanda
Laurelle cherished her girls and was unwavering in her dedication to being a Mother, Wife, Daughter, family member and friend. After initially meeting in Brisbane, a shared wanderlust led to Laurelle and Arthur meeting again in England. Together, they ventured through England, Canada, and Europe before returning to Australia to get married and start their family. Laurelle’s practicality found harmony in her creative spirit, which she shared in her lifelong career caring for children. Guitar, squash, community theatre staging, and reflexology were some of her interests. Laurelle instilled her passion for horses in Michelle.
Amanda, Michelle and Arthur
Just like her Mum, Amanda loved her family — especially her Sister Michelle and two Nanas, whom she dearly missed. Children were always magnetised by her caring spirit and bright smile. She so wanted to have had the chance to find a loving partner, one day become a mum and travel to South Korea. Listening to her favourite K-pop music ignited a love for the culture that created it. Amanda also enjoyed going to the gym and gaming. While she regularly beat all the family at Boomerang Fu, Call of Duty reigned as her favourite, alongside co-op Nintendo Switch sessions with her Sister.
Upon reflection, Amanda said, “I’ve had a good life.” In Her ALS Story, she shared, “I always knew there was a chance of getting it, however I didn't think I would be so young. I am fighting the disease head-on and will fight with everything I have. I focus on finding enjoyment in every day, the smaller things, my interactions with people, and the things I do through the day."
Amanda
For Arthur, being part of the walks means he can help Queenslanders access support from a team that intimately understands MND and provides MND-specific equipment. In some ways, this cushions the inevitably difficult journey people with MND, their carers, families, and friends must face, as it did for their family.
Above all else, it’s a way to honour Laurelle and Amanda. It creates a legacy where they’re actively raising awareness, shedding light on the devastating impact of MND, and contributing to finding a cure.
Who are the LAMAs?
LAMA is for Laurelle Amanda Michelle Arthur. Their niece and cousin, Jessica, will be joining Arthur and Michelle. Jessica’s skills as an RN were invaluable when helping Amanda and supporting Michelle.
Our CEO, Stacey Thorpe, and Simone Reid, who was Amanda's MND Advisor/Support Coordinator, will also be walking alongside the LAMAs.
Register for the Walk