From ballet shoes to hiking boots: 12 year-old dancer tackles Kokoda for MS

Keen dancer, 12-year-old Rosie Welling, is swapping her ballet shoes for hiking boots to take on the Kokoda Track with her parents Kiz and Kath in the hopes of raising awareness and funds to help bring an end to MS. This is a deeply personal mission for all three, as Kath lives with MS.

This Kokoda trek, scheduled for 25 November is more than just a physical challenge, it's a symbol of resilience, unity and hope.

'I get really sad seeing my Tink (Kath) struggle with walking and other things when MS is playing up,' Rosie says.

'I have met others with MS as well and they all have difficulties. I want to go on this walk to help Tink get through it and show that having MS shouldn’t stop you doing amazing things but also to raise money for everyone who has it to help their lives be better.'

Kiz, who has walked on the gruelling track twice before, will walk alongside Kath and Rosie in an inspiring show of family strength.

'It is really hard seeing someone you love struggle with tasks or actions that they used to find simple, but Kath’s no excuses attitude of “do or die” fills me completely with awe and one of the reasons I love her so much.

'An attitude I hope and know we have instilled in our three kids. I am so incredibly proud of Rosie for stepping completely out of her comfort zone and wanting to take this on and furthermore wanting to raise funds for MS whilst doing so.'

'The fact that both of them are willing to go and walk on one of the hardest tracks in the World to help increase awareness and raise funds for others suffering from MS in my view is an exceptional display of bravery and selflessness.'

Kath’s determination to face the Kokoda terrain despite living with MS sends a powerful message of courage to others living with chronic illness.

'I refuse to let my illness control me, and although it is really hard sometimes, I just accept my new “normal” and grab life with both hands and try and accomplish as much as I can.

'Unfortunately, as MS is a chronic illness, MS “normal” changes, and after a big flare late last year which I have slid symptom wise, I am even more determined to not let this illness define who I am or what I am capable of.'

'You only get one life – I plan on using mine to the fullest and I hope I can inspire others to do the same.'

The family are keen to raise funds for MS Plus, to help provide vital support services for those living with MS. Eighty per cent of funds raised will go directly to MS Plus, with the remaining 20 per cent to assist with the specialist training both Kath and Rosie will need to achieve their goal.

Daughter Rosie says, 'I know walking on the Kokoda Track is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, it’s going to be very steep, hot, muddy and it will probably rain a lot, but compared to what people who have MS have to go through it will be nothing. I have my Mums and Lee looking after me, and I know I’ve got this.'

You can follow their journey and find more info on Instagramopens in new tab and Facebook opens in new tab