A GATESHEAD woman will attempt to walk the distance from Newcastle to Wyee - about 60 kilometres - for multiple sclerosis.
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Sarah Williams has set herself a 12-hour treadmill challenge from 8am to 8pm today, Wednesday, May 27, to raise money for people living with MS.
She hopes to raise $600 for MS Australia's annual MS Walk and Fun Run ahead of the event in Sydney this Sunday.
The money raised helps fund regional and rural services and support groups for people living with MS.
It is a cause close to her heart, as the mother-of-one was diagnosed with the disease eight years ago.
MS is a disease of the central nervous system, which interferes with nerve impulses throughout the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
It is characterised by internal scars which, depending on where they develop, manifest into various symptoms.
For Ms Williams, a lesion on her brain, so big doctors thought it was a tumour, caused severe vision and speech loss.
She manages the condition with monthly IV infusions of Tysabri, a drug used to treat MS patients. However, she still has difficulty talking and impaired vision.
Having maintained her mobility, Ms Williams is still able to do the one thing she loves most - run.
She trains at the gym five days a week and has entered the MS Walk and Fun Run for the past four years.
Today, she will complete the treadmill challenge at Planet Fitness Charlestown, with her family, friends and Newcastle MS Support Group members cheering her on.
Ms Williams said everyone was welcome to come along to support her.
■ To donate drop into Planet Fitness Charlestown on Wednesday, May 27, or go to mswalk.org.au and search Sarah Williams.
