Marathon effort ahead for Quinns Rock resident in MND fundraiser

ANGELA Milburn will be pounding the pavement this month after signing up for two charity fitness events.

The Quinns Rocks resident will take part in the 4km Walk to d’Feet MND at Perry Lakes Reserve this Sunday before tackling the 12km Run for A Reason on May 28 to raise funds for MNDAWA (the Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA).

Mrs Milburn’s 67-year-old mother, who lived in the UK, died from the terminal neurological disease last September after being diagnosed in November 2015.

She said she was fortunate enough to take her two young children to the UK eight weeks before her mother passed away to spend some quality time together, and to provide support and help as her condition deteriorated.

“After six months of being cared for my brothers and families, she decided to go into a care home as she struggled to take care of herself and being the selfless person she was, she didn’t want to put on anyone too much,” she said.

“The reunion was amazing and so emotional as my mum met her granddaughter for the first time.

“Mum was determined to hold her and even though she was becoming weaker, nothing would take this moment from her.

“The memories we made in those eight weeks were priceless.

“My mum was the most independent, selfless, loving, caring, generous lady you could ever meet who would do absolutely anything for anyone.

“To watch this disease take its hold of her and make her reliant on others, even to use the bathroom, was devastating and very frustrating for Mum but she fought it with dignity and humour.”

This will be the first time Mrs Milburn has taken part in both charity fitness events, with family and friends joining her at each.

“Our team is called Over the Rainbow and we will all be wearing colourful tutus in my mum’s memory and honour,” she said.

The Walk to d’Feet MND is MNDAWA’s annual fundraising and awareness event.

Following the walk, there are food and drink vendors, a raffle and children’s activities.

There are also prizes for the best-dressed team and highest individual and team fundraisers.

Late registrations can be made by calling 6457 7355 or arriving early on the day.

Registrations open at 8am with the walk from 10am.

To donate to Mrs Milburn, visit www.hbfrun2017.everydayhero.com/au/angela-2.