My wonderful big sister, Melanie Phillips, touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a beloved sister, daughter and friend who lived her life to the fullest despite her battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Unfortunately, Melanie died suddenly in October 2022, leaving those who knew her with an enormous sense of loss and grief.

I am running the Outback Marathon (a marathon around Uluru!) on 29 July 2023 in honour of Melanie’s memory. There will be lots of compacted red earth and sand dunes – those who knew Melanie will know she would have loved me putting myself through months of pain in her memory!

As her younger sister, I always looked up to Melanie and cherished every moment we spent together. We laughed together, we danced together, we cried together but most of all we were always there for each other. Despite her health challenges, Melanie remained strong, resilient, and always found a way to make those around her laugh.

With the support of Melanie’s husband (Karl) and children (Joshua, Cerys and Rhiannon) I have started this fundraising campaign to raise funds for the local MS group in our home town in South Wales to help raise funds for the group to organise community based events and meetings. Their aim is to support and provide assistance to those who are affected by this debilitating disease. Melanie may no longer be with us physically, but her spirit lives on through those who knew and loved her.

Please donate an amount big or small to help make a positive impact on the lives of others who are battling MS.

https://australianoutbackmarathon.com/