Swans family take on the May 50K

The Georges set out to complete the May 50k for the same reason as thousands of other Australians – to raise funds for research into multiple sclerosis (MS).

But the benefits have been more far-reaching than they expected.

Not only have they raised over $7000 already for MS Research Australia while they clock up the kilometres, but almost 90 people have joined their team.

Which means there’s almost 90 people being active, which is just as important to Brendan George.

“I’ve been blown away by the support network of family, of friends, of the club [Tamworth Swans],” Brendan George, who was diagnosed with MS in 2012, said.

“It’s just amazing, people are going ‘yeah I’ll have a go’.

“We’re all in a weird spot but people are saying ‘let’s have a crack’.”

And that’s George’s message to everyone: go and have a crack.

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The former Swan sees the May 50K, where people are challenged to walk or run 50 kilometres, as an opportunity for people to kick-start their fitness regime. And if they can raise a bit of money along the way, that’s a huge bonus.

“Whether it be running, walking, riding – no one cares. Just do something,” George said.

“There’s a real community feel. Let’s get out there and get into it.

“In terms of my stuff [MS diagnosis], yeah, it’s a bummer but what do you do?

“Sit around and dislike the world because of it. There are no rules.

“Don’t use up your energy trying to work it out.”

George has kept engaged with the Tamworth Swans since his retirement about 10 years ago.

He’s run Auskick, helped out with the men, the juniors and now the women who he’s helping to coach alongside Andrew Donohue in 2020. And a number of the Tamworth Swans have jumped on board the challenge as a way to stay fit while teams aren’t allowed to train.

George also thanked Swans president Josh McKenzie who helped get the fundraising team going.

“He worked with Jule Helen to get the process up and going. Without his effort I would have let this pass,” George said.

To sign up or donate, head to themay50k.org/fundraisers/GTrain