Meet friend of Menzies, Clare Reilly, who is preparing to embark on an extraordinary journey, tackling the 1,000km Munda Biddi Trail in Western Australia using an off‑road wheelchair.
More than a personal endurance challenge, Clare’s journey aims to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis (MS) and generate vital funds to support MS research at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
“MS is a cause very close to my heart, and I am determined to make a meaningful contribution to the community it affects,” Clare said.
Through her Wheelchair meets wilderness initiative, which kicks off in April, Clare hopes to raise $100,000 to support Menzies researchers working to improve treatment and care for people living with MS.
With a degree in outdoor education, Clare brings extensive experience to the challenge. She has planned and led numerous extended outdoor programs, including 20-day hikes in the Victorian Alps, three week multiactivity programs on the Atherton Tablelands, and hikes along Western Australia’s Bibbulmun Track. She also spent two and a half years directing Wollangarra, an off grid outdoor education centre.
Following her MS diagnosis, Clare launched the MS Understood podcast to deepen her understanding of the condition and connect with others around the world living with MS. Her love of the outdoors, combined with a strong commitment to advocacy and research, inspired her to take on this ambitious challenge.
Wheelchair meets wilderness is Clare’s most demanding expedition to date, with daily distances ranging from 20 to 65 kilometres. She will be joined on the trail by her husband, Jay, who brings more than 35 years of professional outdoor experience. Clare’s parents will provide road support in their caravan, while her son, Elliot, will be cheering her on throughout the journey. Clare plans to complete the trail by 5 May.
At Menzies, we are incredibly grateful for Clare’s generosity in directing her fundraising efforts to MS research. Her support will help drive research that aims to reduce the impact of MS on individuals and the community.
For more information about Clare’s Wheelchair meets wilderness challenge and how to donate to MS research, visit: https://www.wheelchairmeetswilderness.org/
You can follow Clare’s journey on Instagram