MSWA2016302 Network Magazine Spring 16 v4

Skydive for MS
Running the
Barossa Marathon
Robin Wedding
On Sunday, 29 May, I completed my first marathon at
the Barossa running festival.
The start and end point was Faith Lutheran College, just
outside Tanunda. The two 21.1km loops included Research
Road and was set amidst an endless expanse of vineyards.
It was an experience to remember! Particularly noteworthy
was the sense of camaraderie felt between all runners that
day. There were high fives between running buddies, shared
encouragement between strangers, even a runner offering
around his bag of lollies midstride.
After all, from elite to enthusiast, we had all completed
the same rite of passage, the training preparing us for
this day. With only a few hundred metres to go, I met up
with my mentor who ran with me before passing the baton
to my wife who accompanied this shuffling snail for the
final stretch.
Many thanks go to South Australian Road Runners Club
(SARRC) for the training and support, and friends and
family for their encouragement. The weekly long runs
really do get you over the finish line!
Do you know what services are
offered by your local council?
MSSANT Occupational Therapist Anna and her cousin
Josie love doing things together.
In August, they gave up their usual walks along Henley
Beach, camping trips and Friday movie nights in favour
of throwing themselves out of a perfectly good airplane
(parachutes attached and working) to raise money
for MSSANT!
They said, “Finding a cure and supporting people with
multiple sclerosis is a cause that sits very close to our
hearts as we have both met courageous beautiful loving
individuals who are living with this condition.
“The more people that know about MS and support us, the
greater our impact and the closer we are globally to a cure.”
Having set a goal of $1,500, they smashed it by raising
a total of $2,508. All monies raised from the fundraiser
were donated to the MS Society of SA & NT to fund
services and support MS research.
Congratulations to Anna and Josie for their
amazing contribution.
We all know that councils look after properties, infrastructure,
dogs and cats and charge council rates, but are you aware
of the programs and community services that are available
close to your home? Many councils offer community bus and
transport services, home assistance and social activities.
There may be social groups going out for lunches and bus
trips, friendship groups, men’s sheds, gentle exercise classes,
walking groups, arts and crafts classes, and gardening, fishing
and movie groups. Some activities are free and others are often
at a very low cost, often with door to door transport provided.
Visit your council office or visit their website for
more information.
26 Spring 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Spring 2016 27