Fundraising campaign: Meg McIntyre, with her assistance dog Buddy, clocks up the kilometres at Settlement City for The May 50K, a fundraiser for MS research.

Port Macquarie's Meg McIntyre knows just how vital MS research is.

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And so, she is walking laps of Settlement City as part of The May 50K, a fundraiser for research into multiple sclerosis (MS).

Ms McIntyre was diagnosed with MS in 2003 after experiencing symptoms for a decade.

She is now in the secondary progressive MS stage.

The condition of the central nervous system interferes with nerve impulses from the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

"Research did very much provide me with a better journey than it might otherwise have been," Ms McIntyre said.

"I would have been a lot worse off if it wasn't for the very many doors that have opened for me over the last 20 years."

Ms McIntyre aims to clock up 50 kilometres at the shopping centre armed with her new sleek walking frame.

"That means I have to walk 1.7km every day, which for me is a very big amount," she said.

Assistance dog Buddy, through mindDog, will be by her side at times.

The May 50K is a fundraising challenge for MS Research Australia's national fundraising campaign Kiss Goodbye to MS.

The not for profit organisation is dedicated to funding, coordinating, educating and advocating for MS research as part of the worldwide effort to solve MS.

Ms McIntyre's participation in The May 50K is about raising money for research and boosting awareness.

"It's about raising awareness and helping people know a little bit more about MS and know there is so much progress being made and so much yet to be made," Ms McIntyre said.

Ms McIntyre stressed the importance of early diagnosis to avoid irrepairable damage.

"If you have any doubt you or a family member might have some unexplained changes in your function, go and get checked," she said.

People can support Ms McIntyre's fundraising efforts at The May 50k website.

Bodiline Yoga and Pilates has also formed a team to fundraise for MS research.

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