Tony Houlcroft has been an active supporter of MND NSW for the past few years, hosting a number of Community Fundraising events to raise important awareness and essential funding to assist people living with motor neurone disease.
He first became involved with MND NSW after his wife Narelle was sadly diagnosed with MND.
“Narelle was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), a slow progressing form of MND, in late 2021. We joined MND NSW shortly after receiving the diagnosis,” Tony
said.
“Fundraising for MND NSW is a good way for us to give back to an organisation that is helping us and others who are affected by the disease.”
Their first foray into fundraising for MND NSW began when he and Narelle joined local Walk to Defeat MND events, and later Tony began hosting Community Walks with a group he is a member of, the Coastal Wayfarers.
He was drawn to fundraising in this way due to their interest in getting out and about to explore and stay fit, and said ‘Narelle and I have always been active people and walking is something we enjoyed doing together’.
“The Walk to Defeat MND is a good fit for us and we did the 2022 and 2023 Hunter Walk to Defeat MND with close friends and family,” Tony said.
In 2024, I started doing fundraising bush walks with the Coastal Wayfarers, an informal group of friends and family with a connection to MND.”
Members of the Wayfarers include Sue Fower and Steve Barry. Sue’s mum Elaine had MND – she lived in England and died in 1990 aged 56. Steve Barry’s father passed away from MND while Steve was a teenager.
“Dad’s name was Roy, married to Aileen. Lived in the Oatley area of Sydney before moving to the Central Coast late 50s with four sons in tow. Lived in Berkeley Vale, then Killarney Vale, with two daughters added to the family. Dad died in 1968, aged 48, after two years of battle. I was 12,” Steve said.
Last year the Coastal Wayfarers walked 15km from Redhead to Queens Wharf with employees of the McCloy Group.
The late founder of the McCloy Group, Jeff McCloy, had MND and his generous wishes saw equipment donated to MND NSW in early 2026 to ‘enable individuals diagnosed with MND to live as independently as possible and with dignity, improving their quality of life’.
“Thanks to the support of the McCloy Group, the 2025 walk raised $45,000. This year the Wayfarers and the McCloy Group will be walking 'Back to Redhead' in honour of the late Jeff McCloy and to raise more awareness and funds for MND NSW,” Tony said.
Tony feels it is important to raise awareness and vital funds for MND NSW, having experienced firsthand the support the organisation provides to people living with MND, their carers and families.
“MND NSW provides invaluable assistance for people living with the disease and their carers, especially people without close family support and access to the NDIS,” Tony said.
“MND NSW receives limited government funding and is reliant on community fundraising to continue its mission.”
“Shannon, MND Advisor with MND NSW, keeps in contact with Narelle and provides us with valuable information and support. Jodiee from MND NSW is Narelle’s Coordinator of Services (COS) for her NDIS funding and she does an outstanding job in helping Narelle to obtain the services and equipment she needs.”
“MND NSW also provides great support for me and fellow carers.”
For Tony, the best part about fundraising for MND NSW is knowing they are directly helping other families who are also experiencing the challenges MND brings.
“It is rewarding to know that our efforts help MND NSW carry out their vital work,” Tony said.
“The money we raise enables MND NSW to provide important equipment and services. We hope this helps people living with the disease to be more comfortable.”
If you would like to host your own Community Fundraising event for MND NSW like Tony, click here for more information, or contact Fundraising Assistant Danielle Allen at
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