Grant recipients

Jodie lives in Tāmaki Makaurau and loves helping others to reach their goals and dreams. Diagnosed with MS in 2019, she’ll use our Expedition Grant for her rehabilitation, gear and trip costs, helping her achieve her goal of a three-day cycle mission. Starting at Hunua, south of Auckland, her goal is to traverse the Hunua Range, cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail, and finish with a day-hike to Wairere Falls near Te Aroha, Waikato.

Expedition Grant: $3,810
Rehabilitation costs: $2,000
Gear: $1,170
Expedition costs: $640

Michelle is from Nelson, and loves the challenge and adventure of the outdoors, particularly running, mountain biking, rock climbing and tramping, and sharing these experiences with friends. She was diagnosed with MS in 2020, within a few weeks of developing symptoms. The Expedition Grant will cover her rehabilitation costs and contribute to her gear and trip costs, enabling her to undertake a new challenge of completing a mountaineering expedition.

Expedition Grant: $4,840
Rehabilitation costs: $2,950
Gear: $1,095
Expedition costs: $800

Originally from Germany, Steph now calls NZ home, living with her partner and daughter in Titirangi, West Auckland, where she thrives on getting outdoors, whether hiking, swimming or running. Steph was diagnosed with MS in 2023. The Expedition Grant will cover her rehabilitation costs and contribute to her gear and trip costs, helping her reach her goal of hiking the Milford Track in 2025.

Expedition Grant: $4,360
Rehabilitation costs: $2,390
Gear: $1,170
Expedition costs: $800

Duncan is a dedicated and long-time ocean swimmer who wants to complete three ocean swimming events. MS has reduced his ability to participate in these long-distance races. Still, Duncan wants to show others that there is hope and a pathway to being an active person with MS. Mastering Mountains is covering his rehabilitation and training costs and is contributing toward a new wetsuit. More…

Grant: $2,275
Rehabilitation costs: $1,575
Gear: $700

Kirsten is determined to regain the physical and mental fitness needed to get outdoors and manage her MS symptoms. Getting outdoors is an integral part of Kirsten’s life and spirituality, and her goal is to walk the 85 km-long Old Ghost Road in Buller on the West Coast. Mastering Mountains will cover her rehabilitation costs and contribute to her gear and trip costs, enabling her to complete this multiday adventure with friends. More…

Expedition Grant: $4,035
Rehabilitation costs: $2,100
Gear: $1,135
Expedition costs: $800

Growing up beneath the tallest peaks of the Apennines in Italy, hiking has been a defining feature in Raffaela’s life. This changed in 2020 when she was diagnosed with FND. Mastering Mountains is covering her rehabilitation costs and is contributing to her gear and trip costs so that she can complete the multiday hike into Blue Lake Hut with friends in Nelson Lakes National Park. More…

Expedition Grant: $2,990
Rehabilitation costs: $1,890
Gear: $350
Expedition costs: $750

Cycling has always been a big part of David’s life. However, since being diagnosed with MS, cycling has become a struggle, and that’s why he’s determined to push back on his diagnosis. Mastering Mountains enabled David to get training from a specialist cycling coach and contributed to the cost of a new eMTB. David’s goal is to complete the 20km Karapoti Classic mountain bike race. ( Photo by Andrew Turner) More…

Grant: $4,000
Rehabilitation costs: $2,400
Gear: $500
Bike contribution: $1,100

Before her MS diagnosis, Katy was an active outdoors person and spent her weekends climbing, tramping and running. After her diagnosis, she spent weekends at home, concerned about pushing her body too far. Mastering Mountains enabled her to get specialist physio training in preparation for climbing in the Southern Alps. Katy successfully summited the Minarets (3,040m) with her husband Mike and the support of her family. More…

Grant: $4,590
Rehabilitation costs: $1,560
Gear: $930
Expedition costs: $2,100

Bryce has MS and always wanted to cycle around Lake Taupō. However, Bryce needed help to achieve the level of fitness required to complete his goal. Mastering Mountains enabled Bryce to get the specialist training, and also made a contribution toward the cost of a new bike. Bryce completed the 160km trip with friends and family, and continues to cycle regularly.

Grant: $4,980
Rehabilitation costs: $3,480
Gear: $500
Bike contribution: $1,000

Sam has MS, which left him partially blind. Despite this, Sam is highly involved in his local MS, TV and comedy communities. Now a father of two, Sam wants to remain active to enjoy life with his boys. Mastering Mountains made a contribution that enabled him to walk King Ludwig’s Way: an 8-day, 120 km-long trail in Bavaria, Germany. Delayed by COVID, Sam completed his journey in 2023. More…

Expedition Grant: $2,810
Trip cost: $2,310
Gear: $500

Rachelle has MS and refuses to take her diagnosis lying down. Getting outdoors had always been a part of her life, and Rachelle wanted to regain the confidence she had before her diagnosis. Rachelle’s goal is to participate in a cycle-tour across South-East Asia. Mastering Mountains made a financial contribution to her trip, which has been delayed due to COVID-19. More…

Expedition Grant: $2,340
Trip cost: $1,840
Gear: $500

Tracey has MS and is an avid adventurer. She is highly active in her local MS community, and also in the professional and outdoor communities to which she belongs. In recognition of this, Mastering Mountains made a financial contribution that enabled her to achieve her dream of walking the challenging 11-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. More…

Expedition Grant: $5,000
Trip and travel costs: $4,000
Gear: $1,000

Maria has MS and was recovering from a particularly aggressive treatment. She struggled to get outdoors like she used to, so Mastering Mountains enabled her to get specialist physio treatments and a gym membership, so that she could take up cycling again. Her goal is to cycle the famous Alps to Ocean trail.

Grant: $1,775
Rehabilitation costs: $1,575
Gear: $200

Michelle has MS and couldn’t walk with her family outside, which left her feeling isolated. Mastering Mountains purchased her an Alinker Device, a walking bike that meant she could get back outdoors with her family. Her grandchildren are thrilled to be able to spend time with her, doing something they all love. More…

Grant: $3,100
Bike contribution: $2,900
Gear: $200

Marlene has MS and used to rely on a wheelchair or walker to get around. Mastering Mountains enabled her to get specialist training to relearn how to walk unaided. Marlene went on to complete the 7.8km Tiri Tiri Matangi Walk north of Auckland, unaided. She continues to pursue more ambitious goals outside. More…

Grant: $1,200
Rehabilitation costs: $1,000
Gear: $200

Sue has MS and used to walk for only minutes at a time. Mastering Mountains enabled her to get the specialist training she needed to prepare for a 6-hour traverse of Mt. Maungatautari in the Waikato. She completed her goal and continues to pursue an active lifestyle with her daughter. More…

Grant: $1,500
Rehabilitation costs: $720
Gear: $780