As many of you are aware, one of the reasons we do this is because we are committed to raising money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. What you may not know, is that MS is not evenly distributed around the world; with the prevalence increasing the further one lives away from the equator. Previous research from the early 80s has demonstrated a 2 fold increase in MS prevalence between Waikato and Otago/Southland. With your support, the Great New Zealand Trek will contribute towards funding a National Prevalence Study as we ‘Trek towards a Cure’ for MS. Never before has there been such a comprehensive study the results of which may lead MS management worldwide. AND, we can’t do it without the help of people like you!
Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common central nervous system diseases among young adults in New Zealand. Multiple because it affects many parts of the brain and the spinal cord which results in which results in mild or severe symptoms that come and go unpredictably. Sclerosis means hardened tissue in the central nervous system. MS is baffling because the cause is unknown, no cure has discovered and there is no way of knowing who will get MS. New Zealand has one of the highest rates in the world with around 4000 people with the disease.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand Inc. provides a united front for people with MS and allied neurological diseases. The MS Society aims to provide ongoing support, education and advocacy for people with MS and their support network. It also aims to educate people about MS and to encourage on-going medical research.
How to raise your pledge to MS
Please help us to help people with MS by fundraising. There is a minimum pledge requirement from each Trekker. This money goes to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of NZ to provide funds for research. There are two ways of paying the $100 pledge:
1. By writing a cheque out to MSSNZ at the time of sending in your entry. Remember to separate the pledge and the entry fee.
2. By getting sponsorship for every kilometre you trek from friends, family and employers. This gets everyone involved while the more you raise the higher the incentive prize rewards are. We will send out a sponsorship form upon receipt of your entry to help with your fundraising. The MS Society will issue receipts for all donations.
Download your sponsor form here! 
The Kelly Gabbott Story.
Hi, my name is Kelly Gabbott and I have Multiple Sclerosis.
In January 2000 I began studying for the NZQA NZ Equestrian Federation Community Coach Certificate, which I completed and was awarded in September 2000. A year later I started at Manawatu Riding for the Disabled Assn (RDA) as an instructor. Who would have known that a month later I would be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and be a RDA rider myself. Through Manawatu RDA and help from many people I started studying for the NZQA RDA Coaching Certificate Level 4, which I have since completed and awarded in December 2002. I plan to continue my training, working for my NZRDA Level 3 Certificate and NZEF Grade 1 Coach and would like to train in Hippotherapy.
At 23, 4 weeks before my 24th birthday, on 9.10.01 I was diagnosed with having Multiple Sclerosis. I had a shoulder injury, pins and needles in my right arm, tiredness and a couple of other symptoms that could be easily explained away. I was not expecting to be told I had MS.
Being told by my specialist that I could continue riding and that it would probably be the best thing I could do was the greatest thing I could have been told. I’ve had to make a few changes. My right foot inverts, so is braced all the time and I’ve had hinged AFO braces made to ride in. Due to the lack of feeling in my right leg, my foot would go right through the stirrup without me.
