Need a helping hand to reach your dreams?

April 9, 2019 | Uncategorised

The Mastering Mountains Expedition’s Grant is open again for applications. In collaboration with Mastering Mountains and World Expeditions, MSNZ is proud to help people with MS to participate in an overseas outdoor expedition or adventure, achieving their dreams. Applications close 30th June.

Mastering Mountains and World Expeditions are working in partnership to make amazing and unique experiences possible for people with MS. World Expeditions has over 40 years of experience in providing responsible and exciting adventures for all skills and abilities, with a broad range of exciting and memorable adventures to choose from. For more detailed information, review our Grants page.

Mastering Mountains recently caught up with 2018 grant recipient Tracey Hall, to find out more about what receiving the grant has meant to her and how she is feeling and preparing for her upcoming adventure to Machu Picchu.

What’s one or two things that you hope to change, with the help of the grant?
One of the biggest things is people’s perspective of MS, themselves and others. Someone can have a disability, but it doesn’t mean you have to be disabled! I hope that this grant helps me prove to people that if you have a goal and set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. I found myself in a wheelchair in February 2018 and here I am now, working my butt off as I train hard for Machu Picchu!

Tell us about your goal and why you chose it.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to go to Machu Picchu, but I never really thought it could happen. Machu Pichu is a fascinating place and is considered to be one of the wonders of the world.  It is also a sacred and spiritual place, and in the old times, it was accessed only by the Inca Trail. On the trail, you climb to amazing heights. I can’t wait to be well above the clouds and looking down on other mountains —it gives me goose bumps just thinking about it. This will be an extraordinary goal to accomplish. I hope that in completing it, I will learn new things about myself and redefine what’s possible.

What are the challenges you must overcome to achieve your goal?
My last relapse was a nasty one. It has left me with a weak right leg and also the further complication of clots in my leg and lungs. I am working very hard to regain the strength, and I am making good progress in sorting out the clots. Exercise and medication makes all the difference.

If you could tell other people with MS one thing, what would it be?
Never give up. No matter how hard it seems/feels/is, keep pushing forward and don’t look back.

Good luck Tracey and we’re excited to follow your journey.

If you would like the opportunity to go on your own incredible adventure just like Tracey apply for the Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant today.