Kia ora, my name is Kirsten Dixon. I'm in my mid-forties and I live with my husband, kids, and dogs in the small regional town of Ōamaru. I've been living with symptoms and episodes of multiple sclerosis (MS) for about 20 years, but I was only diagnosed in 2021. I’m on a mission to get back outdoors again and walk Old Ghost Road in Buller District.

Why I’m Fundraising

With the support of Mastering Mountains, I want to complete the 5-day, 85 kilometre walk along the Old Ghost Road in 2024. For me, this will be a pilgrimage of sorts. My family will be cheering me on, and I would love your support.

I chose this challenge because I am excited to learn to trust and care for my body as I rely on it to carry me through my pilgrimage. Through the help of the Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant, I hope to learn more about my body's capability and how to find workarounds for any limitations I experience. I want to live actively as long as possible.

I will use my journey to raise funds and awareness for other people with MS. Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust has given me an expedition grant that gets me the specialist support I need to accomplish my goal. I want to enable others to get the help they need to enjoy the outdoors and achieve the adventures they desire.