Our amazing supporters

For over 30 years, travel agent Lois Marshall has helped people explore new horizons. But her particular journey extends beyond travel — it’s about making a difference for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Lois realised long ago that people with MS often didn’t go on holidays. As their disease progresses, their world shrinks. It’s harder to leave the house, let alone travel.

When she was in her 40s, Helen Dick lost three of her best friends. Their deaths later compelled Helen to consider her legacy and ways she could help others.

“In my 50s, I decided to leave gifts in my Will to three charities important to me."

Wayne Marriott wants people to remember him as "a good person who did good things." From childhood, Wayne’s parents encouraged him to be kind and compassionate. His school further reinforced the importance of generosity, shaping his worldview.

“Why have I decided to leave a legacy of love to MS Plus? I want to be part of the future of MS. and contribute so they will have the resources to continue to help and support people with multiple sclerosis. It is very important that ‘no one has to face MS alone, now or in the future’.”

When she was just 17, Deanna was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) during her VCE exams. Her first symptom was sudden blindness in her left eye.

"I couldn’t see colour. It was like staring at a black-and-white canvas," Deanna recalls.

Thanks to support from MS Plus and generous people like you, Deanna hasn’t just learned to live well with MS — she’s gone on to achieve some amazing things.

These days, Simon sees his MS in a positive light, because it gave him time to focus on music. His new motto, Think Positive, is tattooed on his arm. But he acknowledges the journey’s been hard.

He’s grateful for the care and support of the MS community.

When Marjorie's husband John was first diagnosed with MS, it was the beginning of a difficult period for them. ‘John, my first husband was diagnosed with MS in the 1960s. I did not receive any financial help or other assistance, though I wish I had. That was government policy at the time.’

Living through that difficult time gave Marjorie a first-hand understanding of the challenges people living with MS face.

Nigel Caswell wasn’t sure about attending his first multiple sclerosis (MS) conference.

'I was afraid, wondering if I’d see what my future held,' said Nigel, who was diagnosed with MS in 1993.

But the former civil engineer was glad he went because it changed his life. More than two decades later, the 78-year-old Bentleigh resident received MS Australia’s John Studdy Award for his service to others living with the neurological condition.

Wendy was shocked after her MS diagnosis in 2002 but Wendy's spirit remained unyielding. Instead of letting her illness define her, she chose to redefine her boundaries. She embarked on adventures that spoke to her spirit of resilience. Scuba diving, kayaking, scaling the iconic Harbour Bridge. Wendy’s actions spoke volumes, declaring that her determination far outweighed any limitations.

Dr Ken Doyle has always been interested in cutting-edge research – but when it comes to multiple sclerosis (MS), his interest is personal. Ken wants to fast-track a cure by ensuring MS research is appropriately funded.

Dr Doyle has seen first-hand the difference that research can make. As an innovation specialist, he advised higher education leaders across the Asia–Pacific, and was also involved in the development of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

It is always a great time to remember the many mothers who help their families and communities. Gillian Dalton, a gentle and kind woman from Aspendale, Victoria, was no exception.

'She was a loving wife and mother. She raised us to be true to ourselves,' said Helen Dalton, one of Gillian’s seven children.

When Lin Wong proposed to his girlfriend Deidre Gaudion in 1987, she looked at him thoughtfully and said: 'I have something to tell you. I have MS. That’s your way out if you don’t want to marry me now.'

'I told her that didn’t worry me at all. I was so in love with her,' recalled Lin, 69.

Judith Webb was a much-loved primary school teacher, volunteer, wife and mother. Her husband Bob says she was an 'outgoing redhead with a terrific smile,' who always put others before herself.  

'She loved helping people. When we lived in Canberra, she ran a popular church kids club, organised a drop-in centre and food parcels for needy people, and was a visitor at local aged care homes. When we were in London, she cooked Christmas dinner for homeless people,' recalled Bob.

'As a pharmacist, I understood well what a possible MS diagnosis might mean for my friend's daughter. I had seen many people living with MS coming into the pharmacy. I knew very well what impact this could have on her life. We were both very shaken at the news. While further investigation confirmed her daughter did not have MS that mistaken diagnosis had a big impact on me.'

As a pioneering mechanical engineer Gwen Gray was a visionary. Her kindness continues to have an impact beyond her years.

Gwen understood the power of science, research and determination. She used it to solve our most intractable problems. She included a gift in her Will to MS Plus. She wanted for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) to continue to get the support they need. Thus, they can live well while the search for a cure continues.

In the face of a 25-year journey with MS, George stands as a testament to the power of resilience and optimism. The indomitable spirit of his immigrant parents inspired him. George’s unwavering positive outlook has not only shaped his own journey. This outlook has also led him to give back to the MS community in a meaningful way.