I hate running...BUT I hate MSA more

By Emily Nunn

I've created this page because I want to make a difference.

I’ll be honest — I hate running. Especially long distance. Like… deeply.

But here we are. I’m running a marathon.

Not because I suddenly love it, but because this one matters. I lost my Dad to Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in 2024, and this is my way of doing something — even if it means 42km of suffering.

I’ve set this up to raise awareness and funds for MSA, and to stand alongside the people and families going through it. It’s a brutal condition, and it deserves a lot more attention than it gets.

Every donation genuinely makes a difference. If you can give, I’d be incredibly grateful. If not, sharing this means just as much — getting the word out matters.

This one’s for Dad 💜

…and unfortunately, also for my legs.

My Updates

The decision

Monday 27th Apr
I’ve been sitting with this idea since Dad passed away in 2024. It wasn’t loud or clear at first—more like a quiet thought that kept coming back when things slowed down. Do something. Make it count. Eventually, it stopped being optional.

So here it is: I’m running a marathon.

For anyone who knows me, that probably sounds ridiculous. I hate running. Especially long distance. But this isn’t about suddenly loving it—it’s about doing something hard, on purpose, for a reason that actually matters.

Dad lived with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a disease most people—including us—had never heard of. That lack of awareness made everything harder. The uncertainty, the delays, the not knowing what was coming next… it left a mark on all of us. No family should have to navigate something that brutal in the dark. 

This marathon is my way of pushing back against that.

Dad was uncomfortable for years. He lived through something relentless. So if I’m uncomfortable for 42 kilometres, that’s a trade I’m willing to make. Every step is a reminder of why this matters, and who it’s for.

I’m running to raise awareness so more people know what MSA is. I’m running to raise funds so there’s more support, more research, and hopefully, better outcomes for those who come next.

I hate running. But I’ll do this.
Because staying still isn’t an option anymore.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$436

Toddy

🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🤍

$269.13

Ian Grant

$263.75

Ross

Luck the brain is more stubborn than the legs, they'll get you there!

$200

Louisa Hay

$200

Vending Tasmania Pty Ltd

$163.43

Anonymous

You can do it. Just keep showing up each km. Focus on the one ahead, let the others go.

$106.75

Janette Nielsen

$106.75

Em

$106.75

Nicole Evelyn

$106.75

Cass Scott

Big love pal.

$105.50

Joanne Brumby

Love you and your commitment

$105.50

Dani Brown

$105.50

Diane Ottaway

Well done Em x

$105.50

Liz Cornelius

Wishing you strength to your legs and your emotions. You have such deep determination Em, I know will draw on this to succeed. Glucose gels and the odd expletive might help too xxx

$105.50

The Burgess Family

This is awesome Em! We will be cheering for you the whole 42km!!

$55.95

Olivia Romano

You are AMAZING so proud of you 💜💜

$55.95

Cecily Graham

$55.95

G O

Proud of you Em… you’ve got this!! xx

$55.95

Kim

$55.95

Jules Scott

Well done Em x

$55.95

Shaun Probert

Good luck Em

$55.95

Georgie Haas

Amazing effort Em!!

$55.95

Alex

Break a leg :)

$55.95

Sam

Go em! You’ll smash it x

$55.95

Jen And Marcus

Go Em!

$55.95

Caitlyn Badcock

$55.95

Dc

Go Get It Em!

$55.95

Anne Ludbey

$55.95

Ranny Menny

You're unstoppable 🙌

$55.95

Kayke & Josh

You’re gonna smash this - so proud of you x

$55.95

Sarah

Good luck Em, your dad would be so proud x

$52.75

Su Carey

Go Girl 🌻🌻🌻

$52.75

Kat

Go Em!

$52.75

P

So proud of you Em ❤️

$52.75

Jenna Ireland

You've got this hun! A few hoursof pain for such a good cause xx

$52.75

Anonymous

$52.75

The Dobbers

Good stuff you. ❤️ Michelle & Kate

$52.75

Simone Oliver

Go Em

$52.75

Sue Booker

$52.75

Mel Woodcock

All the very best I’m sure your going to smash it ☺️👍

$52.75

Athol

Run well my friend 🧡. A great cause and I'm sure your dad will be with you for every kilometre.

$52.75

Holly & Nathan

Amazing Em! You’ve got this 💛

$52.75

Jenna Ireland

You got this love, we can do some run club runs with you if you want too!

$52.75

Berni

Run Forrest run!!

$52.75

Booker Family

You’ve got this!

$50

Josie

Mind over matter, you’ll smash this Em, you tough cookie!

$50

Jenna George

You got this big gun, amazing effort 👏👏

$45.30

The Likemind Lounge

Amazing work Em!

$34.40

Net

Let’s Go Em. You are such an inspiration to so many.

$31.65

Josh Whitfield

You go girl

$28.81

Maree Smith

So very proud of what you achieved

$28.81

Tach

Each step is a minute closer to seeing him again … he’d be super proud - get there however you can

$28.81

Hannah

Well done, sorry it’s late!

$28.81

Tracey Mckinnell

You will smash it, sending positive vibes 💜

$28.81

Bronte Powell

You’ll smash it Em! Your dad would be so proud of you ❤️

$28.81

Nikki W

Go get it Em!!

$28.81

Jas Van Asperen

Go Em!! Proud of you ❤️

$28.81

Sandra Cowling

Inspirational you go girl you have got this 🫶🏻

$26.38

Emily

$26.38

Emma Reid

Best of luck Em! ❤️

$26.38

Klytie

Run Em Run!!

$26.38

Bron

Legend. No notes xx

$26.38

The Boobars

Go Em!

$26.38

Marni Carswell

Go Em!! You’re a legend.

$26.38

Ryan Mclennan

Get it mate!

$26.38

Lynsey Blazley

$26.38

Sally Clements

Em is awesome 🤩

$25

Gab Axton

You’re a superstar!!! Go get it x

$25

Sonia

You’re an absolute legend!! Your dad would be so proud 🙌

$25

Hailey Burns

$20

Ashby Dog

$17.87

Miki Mercer

Go Nunny you good thing!

$15

Corey

$11.92

Dominic Gill

Good luck Em

$10

Christine Kleiner

Go em you have got this be proud