¾«¶«´«Ã½

May 16, 2019

Knowledge series and Commando bootcamp boosts MND appeal

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

The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (UOW) is continuing its support of the , 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 ¾«¶«´«Ã½’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 ¾«¶«´«Ã½.

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.

.