Michelle Ibbotson walks 300km for MS research

Geelong-born Michelle Ibbotson, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, transforms her struggle into a powerful fundraising mission, walking 300km in May to inspire others and raise vital funds.

Michelle Ibbotson is walking 300k in May to raise money for MS research

It used to be a cruel lottery every morning for Michelle Ibbotson who lives with multiple sclerosis.

Some days the 35-year-old would wake up symptom-free, others her sight would be impacted and her legs in so much pain she couldn’t walk to the bathroom unassisted.

Originally from Geelong, Ms Ibbotson was diagnosed with MS in 2018.

“I was devastated, I’d never really heard much about it, so I didn’t know what was coming,” she said.

Her father, Paul Ryan, said her diagnosis was hard on the family too.

“I worked with Betty Cuthbert, my knowledge of MS was everyone ends up in a wheelchair and they slowly die, but that’s absolutely not the case,” he said.

“Betty Cuthbert won a gold medal in the Olympics while suffering MS, so it gave me a little hope.”

Ms Ibbotson has resting remitting MS, she has 11 lesions in total, eight on her brain and three on her spine.

Despite this, Mr Ryan said “she never, ever complains”.

“She’s an absolute inspiration, I get emotional because she’s just an absolute legend, she’s a little pocket rocket,” he said.

Paul Ryan and daughter Michelle Ibbotson who is walking 300k to raise money for MS research

Ms Ibbotson, who now lives in Mount Magnet in Western Australia, used to face monthly seven-hour car trips to get vital medication.

But 18 months ago, she was put onto a new life-changing medication - Kesimpta - which she can use at home in the form of an epipen.

Luckily, her flare ups have been kept at bay, making her more determined to make a difference.

“I’m going to try and fundraise as much as I can, so researchers can one day find a cure,” she said.

Ms Ibbotson is taking part in the May 50k challenge, but she’s going many steps further.

“For most people, walking 50km in a month is a pretty significant task, but she’s actually doing 300km, while suffering MS, she blows my mind,” Mr Ryan said.

Ms Ibbotson’s family and friends have organised a fundraising walk in Eastern Gardens on Sunday at 10am and the public is invited to attend.

Paul Ryan and children, Bronwyn Foot, Michelle Ibbotson, Toby Ryan

The aim is to raise more than $8000 for vital research.

Ms Ibbotson – a Cats supporter – will be joining the group virtually.

“It’s quite heartening to know I’ve got the support of family and friends behind me, every step of the way,” she said.

More than 33,000 people are living with MS in Australia

Originally published as Michelle Ibbotson walks 300km for MS research