AV Paramedic leads the way in the fight against MND

April 30, 2024 | in News

Shane Foster has been supporting the community as an Ambulance Victoria (AV) Paramedic for more than 40 years and is now leading the charge to raise awareness and funds for those affected by MND (Motor Neurone Disease).

After being diagnosed with MND in March 2023, Shane rallied together a team of AV colleagues, friends and family to join him in The Great MND Relay last Saturday, 27 April.

Shane is seated in a chair and being flanked by his team mates.

Shane (centre) with some of his team on Saturday.

The Great MND Relay is an annual event taking place at Albert Park, where participants complete as many relay laps as they can for 251 minutes to represent the 251 Victorians diagnosed with MND every year.

The event helps to raise awareness and funds to help ensure all Victorians with MND can receive the care and support they need.

Shane said he was motivated by his desire to try help those affected by MND.

“I wanted to raise awareness and participate in the relay because it’s important to do what I can to try and help those impacted by this horrible disease,” Shane said.

“It was great to catch up with family, friends and our wonderful support network on Saturday.”

Shane is seated in a wheel chair for a group shot with many members from the Shane Swift Steppers group.

Shane and his team – the Shane Swift Steppers.

Shane’s team – the Shane Swift Steppers – consisted of 80 members and was the largest team in the history of the MND relay.

The Shane Swift Steppers raised the most of all teams participating in the relay, raising an incredible $35,000.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases that affect nerves known as motor neurons. MND causes the motor neurons to degenerate and die, affecting muscles to become weaker which leads to paralysis.

Support Shane’s fight against MND here.