At first, Clare pushed the diagnosis aside in her mind, and tried not to think about it. Along with her husband and son, they moved to Wollangarra in Gippsland and ran an off-the-grid outdoor education centre for two and a half years.
The family moved back to Portarlington in 2019, and over time, Clare decided to lean into MS advocacy, awareness and action.
MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40 and, in Australia, affects three times more women than men. As yet, there is no cure.
Each year MS Australia holds a grant round to select only the top MS research projects to fund. The mission of Australian MS research is to accelerate research toward the prevention, better treatments and a cure for MS.
This aim of course requires considerable funds and Clare is now taking on an incredible challenge: becoming the first person to traverse the full 1,070km Munda Biddi Trail in WA using a wheelchair. It’s all part of her campaign, Wheelchair Meets Wilderness, to raise $100,000 for MS research.
Clare will be using The Rig - an electric, all-terrain mobility device with off-road tyres and a solid aluminum frame. It’s fast (top speed: 37km/hr), rugged, and built for adventure. A training regime has commenced to prepare for this physically challenging endeavour which so far has included 38km trips from the Geelong Showgrounds to Portarlington (4hrs) and weekly local 20km rides.
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April 2026 - Munda Biddi trail, Perth to Albany
Clare will be rolling the entire Munda Biddi Trail in Western Australia. It will involve a six week trip in total and 60 to 80km per day on the trail. There is however much to do and plan before she begins.
Fundraising and sponsorship is essential to assist with the purchase of "The Rig", travel for herself and the support team to Western Australia, accommodation and daily expenses.
Her main goal remains to raise awareness and $100K to donate to crucial MS research.
Pre-trip promotional events include a Trivia Night in October at the Portarlington Football/Netball club and plans are afoot for a book and documentary.
BWN members attending on the night were incredibly engaged in Clare's story, enthusiasm for life and the incredible challenges ahead. Our monthly raffle and further donations raised on the night ($600) will be donated to her campaign.
https://www.wheelchairmeetswilderness.org/ |
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