Cara will complete a two-year Master’s of Biomedical Science studying Multiple Sclerosis in the research group led by Professor of Immunology Anne La Flamme.
In 2023 Amanda Hargreaves, then Manager of Manawa Ora—Student Wellbeing at Te Herenga Waka, had the idea of shaving her head to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research in honour of her mother Jenny, who is living with the condition. She approached Professor La Flamme and the Development Office with a goal of raising $5,000 to “perhaps buy a few bunsen burners to help Anne’s laboratory,” but the scope of the project rapidly escalated.
Professor La Flamme, who specialises in researching treatments for MS, explains, “I asked myself how we could improve the lives of people with MS. I decided the best way would be to support the people who will do that work by funding a Master’s student for two years—one of course work, and one of solid research.”
Fundraising campaign CHALLENGE MS, which saw four teams compete to raise the most funds, was born. The teams were led by Amanda Hargreaves, her mother Jenny, and Amanda’s daughter Mia. There was also a university team, Team Koiora, led by postdoctoral researcher Dr Georgia Lenihan-Geels from the School of Biological Sciences.
The teams were blown away by their success, raising $12,000 from their communities, which was boosted by a generous donation of $20,000 from the New Zealand Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust. This resulted in a $32,000 Master’s Research Scholarship, for a student to be based in Professor La Flamme’s lab at the School of Biological Sciences.
Mia was the champion fundraiser, baking 80 doughnuts for her bake sales, which were eagerly supported by South Wellington Intermediate School to the extent that a second bake sale was required. As promised, Amanda had her head shaved in the Hub, to celebrate the success of the campaign.
Amanda says it is a truly wonderful moment for her whānau to see this scholarship come together.
“It is a taonga and we will care for it and use it wisely. I would like to thank Anne La Flamme’s research group for their support, their work, and their contribution to kicking MS’s butt.”
Multiple Sclerosis is a life-changing neurological condition that affects over 4,000 New Zealanders and also impacts on their family, friends, and caregivers. The disease attacks the myelin sheaths that protect nerve fibres running between the brain and the rest of the body. This can result in variable and unpredictable symptoms including weakness, fatigue, pain, and problems with mobility and vision. The disease is not well understood, and more research is needed to find better ways to treat or even prevent it.
Almost 50 years ago Jenny Hargreaves was given a diagnosis of MS, initially only telling her husband. But she decided to go public with her story in 2023 to provide hope for others living with MS. At age 75, Jenny is an inspiration to all, continuing to ride her bike and do tai chi and pilates, and giving back to the community by volunteering to help children learn to read.
Jenny says, “I’m really proud we got to this stage and proud of all the people who donated. It’s amazing to see the results. I feel that Cara will do well and I’m excited about how much this will add to her life’s experience and what she is going to learn.”
The selection panel felt Cara stood out for her commitment to MS research and because it was obvious she is all about people.
“I would like to thank the Hargreaves’ for trusting me with this award,” says Cara.
“I found Jenny’s story so inspiring, so bravely embracing her condition with her family’s support. I hope to make her proud and am looking forward to being part of Anne’s research group.”
Read more of Jenny’s story, published in 2023 during the campaign.