Mary, Kayla and Amanda have been volunteering for MND NSW for over a decade, assisting at Walk to Defeat MND events, selling MND NSW merchandise, and hosting fundraisers at work.

The terrific trio usually volunteer in Western Sydney, and have spent their time helping MND NSW at our Sydney, Penrith, Port Macquarie and Western Sydney Walks, as well as appearing at local train stations to raise awareness of MND and vital funds by selling merchandise.

For Amanda Cornell, her mother Mary Sparkes and sister Kayla Sparkes, MND NSW is a cause close to their hearts.

“My Dad was diagnosed with MND in 2011. He sadly passed away from MND in 2013 but we have continued to support to raise awareness and funds for such a heartbreaking disease,” Amanda said.

Since 2012, they have come back to help time and time again, Amanda saying they would volunteer with MND NSW ‘to continue awareness, and hope that one day there is a cure so families don’t have to go through what we did watching a love one with MND’.

In addition to their vital assistance in ensuring we’d able to continue supporting people living with MND, they enjoy coming to volunteer and meet like-minded people.

“Meeting people who have similar stories and know what’s it like to see a loved one with this disease, the passion from them to also make a difference,” Amanda said. 

For Amanda, Kayla and Mary, volunteering is an important part of their lives, and we’re thankful for the amazing effort they continue to put in to help up support people living with MND.

“It’s important to continue to raise awareness and funds, not only in memory of my Dad but for everyone else who has been or will be affected by the disease,” Amanda said.

“It’s good to know that you don’t always need money to make a difference, you can volunteer your time.”

If you would like to join Amanda, Mary and Kayla in volunteering for MND NSW, contact Marcia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


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