Nova 106.9 presenter Katie Mattin is ‘doing okay’ with her MS battle

NOVA 106.9 presenter Katie Mattin looked for any glimmer of hope when first diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis. Now, she wants to provide it, saying she wants people to see her and think she is ‘doing okay’.

Katie Mattin of Nova 106.9 is also an ambassador for MS Queensland. Photo: Ric Frearson

NOVA 106.9 presenter Katie Mattin looked for any glimmer of hope when first diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis.

Now, she wants to provide it, saying she wants people to see her and think she is ‘doing okay’.

She recalls that when she found out she had MS, she immediately jumped on the internet and became overwhelmed with stories of worst-case scenarios.

“I had that feeling of desperation to see someone who was getting on with life and who was okay,” she says.

“So I really wanted someone else — even if it was just one person, if they are diagnosed tomorrow — to go, ‘Oh that girl from the radio, she has MS but she is still working and she seems to be doing okay.’ It gives them some hope.”

Oh that girl from the radio, she has MS but she is still working and she seems to be doing okay.

Part of her plan to provide hope, is by taking part in this year’s Brissie to the Bay bike ride.

The ride is the biggest fundraiser for MS Queensland.

For Katie, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eight years ago, it is not just an opportunity to raise money for research into a cure but to present herself as a positive role model.

Katie Mattin.

The Brissie to the Bay has five courses to suit different fitness levels: a 25km ride to Balmoral, a 50km ride to Wynnum, a 100km trip to Wellington Point and Cleveland and a 160km Classic.

But Katie and her twin daughters, Amelia and Holly, 8, plus her Nova boss, Jay Walkerden, are opting for the cruisy 10km ride along the riverside.

Jay, Amelia and Holly all have their own wheels but Katie will have to borrow a bike — which might, in part, explain her lack of preparation.

“I’m not super fit,” she says.

“I don’t go to the gym every day. I try to do as little as possible but still stay healthy. What I like about this ride is you don’t have to be a cyclist. You can do the 100km if you want to but if you want to make it a family fun ride then 10km is not too strenuous, anyone can do it and it is a really pretty ride along the river.”

The 27th MS Brissie to the Bay bike ride is on Sun, June 18, leaving from Musgrave Park. brissietothebay.com.au