Knowledge series and Commando bootcamp boosts MND appeal

May 16, 2019

Knowledge series and Commando bootcamp boosts MND appeal

UOW community rallies together to support research into Motor Neurone Disease.

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is continuing its support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Research Appeal, with the most recent events raising more than $19,000 towards the cause.

Professor Justin Yerbury from the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) , with the support of UOW’s Advancement Division, with the initial aim to raise $30,000 to test ideas in pre-clinical trials.

On Thursday (2 May), the Advancement Division held the first UOW Knowledge Series event at the iC for alumni, donors and staff.

The UOW Knowledge Series showcases the University’s thought leaders, with the first lecture for 2019 featuring Professor Yerbury. His lecture was entitled Proteins; a story about the stuff of life and how it shapes our understanding of Motor Neurone Disease.

Guests were asked to make a donation of at least $10 to attend the event, with all proceeds going directly towards MND research at the University.

The total raised on the night was $3347, with more than 300 people attending and learning more about the team’s research into a cure for MND. An additional $10,000 donation was received earlier in the week.

In early April, Commando Steve from the Biggest Loser hosted a bootcamp and breakfast in conjunction with UniActive, with all funds raised going towards the cause.

A cheque for $5,882 was presented (pictured) to Professor Yerbury yesterday (Wednesday 15 April).

Since the launch date, more than 250 individuals have joined the appeal, with more than $40,000 raised so far.

When combined with many generous fundraising efforts and activities that have occurred over the past 12 months, more than $110,000 has been raised for this important area of research.

Professor Yerbury’s interest in MND began when several members of his family were diagnosed with it. In one six-week period his mother, grandmother and aunt all died from the disease. He has also lost a sister, an uncle and a cousin to the disease.

In order to better understand MND, Justin undertook a Bachelor of Science degree at UOW, graduating with first-class honours in 2004, and going on to receive a PhD from UOW in 2008.

He now leads a team of scientists at IHMRI that is researching neuro-degeneration and MND.

In May 2016, Professor Yerbury was diagnosed with MND. His research works to understand why motor neurones are specifically vulnerable to MND.