Story
On September 6th, 2025, we will attempt the South Coast Ultra for every parent living with MND and support the incredible work of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Let's make a difference together.
I was just 12 years old when my mom picked up my brother and me from school, to go visit dad who was in ICU at the time. As we arrived at the hospital, she gently reminded us to tell Dad we loved him and to give him a hug before we left. The next day, on September 11th, 2002, his battle with Motor Neurone Disease ended. At just 31 years old, my dad was gone.
Losing a parent at any age is heart-wrenching, but for a child, it brings unique challenges. At that tender age, we aren't equipped to handle the heavy burden of grief. We lack the emotional maturity and understanding that comes with adult experiences. As I grew older and reached the age my dad was when he fell ill and eventually passed away, I found myself grappling with profound questions. I had met my wife, welcomed my son into the world, and life was flourishing. Yet, I often wondered, "What would Dad have felt at this point?" and "How did he stay so brave?"
Some questions remain unanswered, but over the years, I've come to realize that you never truly understand the sacrifices your parents make until you become a parent yourself. This realization has led me to admire my dad even more. Despite facing the most significant challenges imaginable, he chose to stay positive, smiling through it all, never admitting defeat in the face of the inevitable. His resilience is a lesson for us all.
So, why an Ultra Event, you ask?
Here we have it: me (Matt), Josh, and Luke. Together, we've navigated some of the happiest and saddest times, always supporting each other. For years, we have wanted to undertake a challenge for the MNDA, something extreme that would make people say, "They will struggle with that."
Well, I've found that event—a 100KM Continuous Ultra across the South Coast, to be completed in under 20 hours.
As with all great friendships, if one of us goes to the trenches, we all go. We've shared our experiences of loss and its impact on each of us at different stages. Now, as parents ourselves, we understand the profound significance of this role.