IT'S one step at a time for Port Macquarie's Robyn Sefton.
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Robyn is living with multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition that causes her debilitating pain and a daily mental and physical battle with her own body.
Not only was receiving the news a shock for the 40-year-old, her doctor said she could possibly be wheelchair-bound within six to 12 months.
That was eight years ago, and ironically the news was received on World MS Day.
But Robyn is not in a wheelchair.
In fact, she plans to complete the May 50k running event and raise money for research into this neurological disease which affects more than 25,000 Australians every year. There is no cure for MS.
Robyn began interval training seven weeks ago.
"It was to learn how to run five kilometres without stopping," Robyn said.
"My beautiful next door neighbour Danielle joined me on the journey and has been the most patient, understanding and encouraging running buddy I could ask for.
"A lot of people think that running five kilometres is no big deal, but for me it's a massive achievement.
"I have a mental and physical battle every day with pain that I can not describe. I do my best to not show this or talk about it so most wouldn't even know. I don't want pity, just understanding.
"Some say I have my father's strength and determination but I think we are just both really stubborn."
Robyn said she decided she would not lay down and allow MS to take her life.
"Be it luck, my treatment, my attitude or a combination of all three, I feel incredibly blessed and for this reason I take part in this challenge for all those MS warriors less fortunate then me," she said.
Robyn said there are a few special MSers that are her driving force - my dear school friend Jane Whitehead and her partner Matty, Lee Brooks and Chris Olive as well as a legion of friends who have joined her in team F$@k U MS for the May running challenge.
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