Meet Alex

At first glance, Alex McKay looks like any other 31‑year‑old Gold Coast tradie. Most mornings begin the same way they always have, with him slipping his board under his arm and jogging across the road to catch the early waves. A few hours later, he’s balancing on trusses, climbing rooftops, and running his business. To anyone watching, Alex is the picture of strength, agility, and the easy confidence that comes from moving your body in ways you’ve known since childhood. Yet behind that effortless stride sits a reality few people ever see.

“I had a picture of owning a house, being financially stable and providing for my family. With the MS curveball I’m not sure this life will enable me to be the person and the great father I always thought I’d be. I have a vision of me on a surfboard with my children, like my father is with me, and I just don’t know if this chronic condition is going to let me live out that dream"

Meet Brooke

Every morning, Brooke steps into the Queensland Children’s Hospital ready to support some of the state’s sickest kids. In her role as a surgical coordinator, she moves with quiet confidence. But what the hallway lights don’t show is the private battle Brooke carries in her bones: the dizziness that blurs edges, the headaches that throb behind every smile, the exhaustion that steals moments from her day. 

At just 30, Brooke was diagnosed with MS.

The moment she heard the words, the future she had been building seemed to fracture. She had imagined long-distance runs at dawn, a growing side‑hustle, and plans for a family with her husband. She remembers sliding into her mum’s car after the appointment and sobbing, whispering, “how can I work as a neurological nurse and know nothing really about this.”

Meet Erica

For most of her life, Erica Meakin was the kind of person who ran headfirst into adventure. She and her husband Karl had a reputation for being the couple who lit up every room.

They were the first on the dance floor, the earliest out the door for a weekend hike, the pair who always said yes. Their love of energy, fun and change even led them to emigrate twice. First from England to New Zealand, then from New Zealand to Australia.

But behind the laughter, Erica’s body had been quietly warning her for years.

Eventually, specialists discovered a large lesion on her spine, and she finally had an answer. She was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), a rare autoimmune condition that attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord. 

Meet Libby

What starts as a team challenge can become a personal mission—and that’s exactly what happened for Libby. She first joined MS Brissie to the Bay as part of a corporate team with KPMG, leading colleagues in both fundraising and fitness. But what began as a workplace initiative quickly turned into something far greater.

With no personal connection, Libby initially saw the ride as a great way to connect with colleagues and give back. But as she learned more about MS Queensland’s work and the people they support, her commitment deepened. The experience opened her eyes to the power of corporate social responsibility—not just as a workplace initiative, but as a way to create meaningful change.

As a corporate team, we receive so much support from MS Queensland in getting set up, activating our team and community and getting to the start line. The team aspect fosters encouragement to each other and MS Queensland kept us excited so we really hit the start line very motivated. And, it’s a fun perk to be at the front of such a big pack on event day.  

Even after moving on from KPMG, Libby remains a passionate advocate for the cause. From hosting fundraising events to rallying teams, she’s seen firsthand how small actions add up to a big impact.

Her story is proof that you don’t need a personal connection to MS to make a difference—you just need the drive to step up.

Meet Jenny

You may recognise Jenny’s face from past years as you’ve cycled over the finish line and are greeted by the crowd of clapping Cheer Club supporters in their red and white shirts, welcoming you back from your ride and thanking you for showing your commitment to fight MS.

Jenny was diagnosed with MS in 1973, when she was in Year 10 and just 15 years old. The muscle spasms, lack of balance and numbness made it hard to live the active life of a regular teenager. Jenny’s mum, who was a nurse herself, insisted that Jenny see her GP, where she was immediately referred to a neurologist.

Yet, before she could see the specialist, Jenny had a severe episode- experiencing complete paralysis and blindness in both eyes. For Jenny, the next three months were spent in hospital enduring countless tests to determine the cause of her symptoms. At this time, MRI’s were not available, and Jenny had to endure three lumbar punctures before receiving her MS diagnosis. She was confused, scared and could not fathom what effect that would have on the rest of her life.

Soon after her diagnosis, Jenny began working and was employed with the same company for eleven years. She fondly refers to the business as family, rather than an employer. In 2013, Jenny’s ongoing symptoms forced her to stop working.

Today, Jenny spends most days with her wonderful husband and full-time carer, Charlie. When asked what her motivation is to keep fighting, she states:

“My husband….my husband is my motivation.”

The two have been married for over 35 years and still their friendship and love is evident.

Jenny is a fierce member of the MS Community, and with Charlie by her side, the pair are unstoppable!

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