MS: Busting the Myths
April 23, 2025 | Donate, Event, News
Bangers to Bluff 2025 has wrapped up, and once again, it was an unforgettable journey marked by determination, good humour, and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie. While the final fundraising total is still being tallied, one thing is certain – we are immensely grateful for the incredible support received from our sponsors, rally teams, staff, and the many regional MS societies who welcomed the rally with such warmth and enthusiasm along the way.
The rally began on a high note, with participants buzzing with excitement as they departed from Auckland, their ‘bangers’ decorated and ready to take on the long road to Bluff. However, the adventure didn’t come without its hiccups. Soon after the start, Team Keep S’myelin faced a major setback when their car suffered a catastrophic failure. But in true Bangers to Bluff fashion, where resourcefulness and community spirit always shine through, a replacement vehicle was secured. Despite the delay causing the team to miss out on the themed fancy dress evening in Taupō, the festivities carried on with support from the Rotorua and Taupō MS Society, who showed up in great spirits.
This year, Graham, a person living with MS (and MS Taranaki’s President and MSNZ’s Co-Vice President) once again took on an extraordinary personal challenge. At the crack of dawn, often before most of the rally teams had even had their morning coffee, Graham would set off on his bicycle, aiming to cover as much distance as possible before being caught up by the bangers.
Sponsored by generous supporters for each kilometre he cycled, Graham’s determination was nothing short of inspiring. In Māpua, he clocked up an impressive 15.98 km one morning, followed by 17.63 km the next. Near Oamaru, he tackled a challenging 13.56 km before sunrise, later admitting the experience was “more exhilarating than fun,” with early morning traffic adding to the adventure. Along the Akaroa shoreline, Graham cycled 19.37 km – and was so captivated by the route that he repeated it the next day, declaring it was “too good not to repeat.”
Despite having very limited use of his right side and being unable to grip with his right hand, Graham continues to ride by clipping his right foot into the pedal for support. His mantra “exercise is medicine” shines through in everything he does. His stunning sunrise photos, shared from his early outings, took our breath away and added a deeply personal, moving touch to the rally.
Throughout the journey, the rally raised awareness and support for people living with multiple sclerosis. In Wellington, the MS Wellington team joined the rally’s visit to Parliament, where a number of the vehicles were allowed onto the forecourt. MSNZ’s National Manager, Amanda Rose, and MSNZ’s President, Neil Woodhams, joined the rally participants, and met with Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Health, where he invited the rally back next year! MS Nelson hosted a delightful BBQ and arranged a special visit to a local care home, where our team met an avid car enthusiast whose joy was evident and unforgettable.
As the rally crossed to the South Island, MS & Parkinson’s Canterbury welcomed the rally, and MP Hamish Campbell, with a morning tea and a tour of their Christchurch facility, generously sharing their time and knowledge. MSNZ then joined the crew in Akaroa for an evening BBQ, and caught up again the next day in Little River as the convoy carried on. We stayed abreast of the team banter, shared memories, and more scenic snapshots as they were shared on the group chat.
Eventually, after nearly two weeks of travel, the rally reached Bluff – mission accomplished! The bangers then cruised to Invercargill for a well-earned rest before prepping for the auction. Although this year saw fewer bidders, the enthusiasm was strong, and we’re pleased to report that all vehicles were sold!
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay for their incredible efforts in organising this event, and for supporting MSNZ alongside other charities that benefit from this fundraising event. We also want to give a huge shout-out to each and every rally team – your creativity, resilience, and tireless fundraising before, during, and after the rally make this event what it is. We know 12 days of driving can be gruelling, but your dedication and good humour help carry the spirit of this event across every kilometre.
And to Graham – your cycling journey was nothing short of inspiring. You remind us all what true strength and determination look like, and of course that exercise is medicine! Your sunrise photos, your quiet tenacity, and your commitment to pushing forward were one of the many highlights of this year’s Bangers to Bluff.
We’re truly grateful to be part of something special. If you’d like to contribute, please see our dedicated Bangers to Bluff Fundraising Page or Graham’s Cycling Challenge Fundraising Page.
