Lights up for multiple sclerosis

Posted on 18 December, 2018

With Christmas just around the corner, why not celebrate by supporting a good cause?

For the third year in a row, Ben Walker and James Crowther, both 16, are celebrating the festive season by setting up extraordinary light displays to fundraise for Multiple Sclerosis research (MS).

MS is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves). The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS cannot be predicted and it is a lifelong disease for which a cause and a single cure are yet to be found.

James Crowther and Ben Walker

For Ben, this cause is personal. Ben’s grandma was diagnosed with MS 13 years ago, and for the past two years, the two friends have welcomed the public to their Gowrie homes to fundraise for MS Australia.

Ben and James spent November setting up the lights, which are now operating at not one but two locations. The displays can be seen at Stacy Street and Ruthven Street, Gowrie, the latter of which has one of the largest 100% solar displays in Canberra.

Last year, the pair raised over $1000 for MS Australia and this year, they hope to “smash that goal”.

In addition to the light displays, Canberrans can support MS Australia by buying a ticket for Ben and James’ fundraising raffle, with prizes from multiple local businesses including Questacon, Pushys, Amazing Clean Canberra and iPlay.

To get involved, donations can be made when visiting the lights or visa the online fundraising portal.