Walkers remember loved ones

AMONG those walking to remember loved ones lost to Motor Neurone Disease was Ray Currie, whose wife Suzanne passed away from the disease just last month.

Mr Currie was among about 150 people who participated in the inaugural Walk to D’Feet MND around Queens Park last Saturday. Motor Neurone Disease Association of Queensland chief executive officer Cheryl Miller said the event was a great success, particularly as it was the first of its kind.

“There were young, old, middle-aged and in between. It was fabulous support from the community of Toowoomba. We’re going to do it again, bigger and better,” Ms Miller said.

“All people had some connection to the disease, there were people with MND, wheelchair bound, and families with affected loved ones.

“About 60 students from St Ursula’s College attended in honour of John Tyson.

“It was more than just a walk, it was a community celebration, celebrating the lives of those battling with MND.”

Walkers carried candles to remember loved ones lost and to express hope for a future free of MND. Motor Neuron Disease is a rapidly progressive, terminal neurological disease.

There is no known cure and no effective treatment.

People with MND progressively lose the use of their limbs and the ability to speak, swallow and breathe, while their mind and sense usually remain intact.

There are about 1500 people living in Australia with MND at any one time. Within Queensland, each day at least one person dies from MND as another is diagnosed.

PHOTOS: NEV MADSEN COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Walking to remember John Tyson are (from left) Ali Brunello, Kaitlin Dobinson, Sam Brimblecombe, Holly Wickham and Summer Wickham.

Celebrating the lives of those affected are (from left) Scott, Tracy and Connor Vayro with Libby Tyson.

Remembering those lost to MND are (from left) Judy Antonio, Ray Currie, Sandra Tessmann and Lawrie Tessmann.