Two Brisbane companies are battling it out to be named top fundraisers at MS Brissie to the Bay bike ride on Sunday 13 June. Finance corporations Shaw and Partners and Morgans are both cycling to support colleagues within their organisation living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects almost 4000 Queenslanders.

MS Brissie to the Bay is MS Queensland’s event that sees over 7,500 riders cycle in a range of courses from Southbank, Brisbane. The event raises essential funds for MS Queensland.

Thirty-eight year old Nicole Zell, a Dealers Assistant from Shaw and Partners, has been living with MS for 10 years. “In 2010, the whole right side of my body went numb. I was admitted into the Mater hospital where assigned neurologists arranged MRI scans of my spine, however, they unfortunately didn’t order scans of my brain. The following year when the symptoms and numbness returned, the doctors ordered scans of my brain which confirmed the devastating news that I had MS,” said Nicole.

Shaw and Partners have already raised more than $112,000 to support Nicole and MS Queensland. Fellow finance company, Morgans have donated $30,000 via their foundation in support of employee Vanessa Castle, who’s also living with the neurological condition. Vanessa is a Private Client Adviser at Morgans who was diagnosed with MS in 2018. “Initially, I had electric shocks running down my spine and then both my legs proceeded to go numb. I was told in the years prior it was just a pinched nerve, so ignored it until I started to get pins and needles in my hands and arms and a range of other symptoms” said Vanessa.

Despite working for competing companies, these women have formed a great connection and friendship due to their shared experiences. “We met through the event and MS Queensland and now we often meet up for coffee and discuss our treatments and journey. It’s great to have someone else to chat to who’s thriving in their finance role while living well with MS,” said Vanessa.

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