FOUR young runners from the Swan area finished a 423km ultramarathon to Bluff Knoll last week while fundraising for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Brothers Matt and Josh Fabila from Swan View, Ryan Fazzalari from Middle Swan, and Cumoram Desmond from Midvale were part of a six-man group who set out for the run from Osborne Park on August 17.

The runners, all former students of La Salle College and Governor Stirling Senior High School, faced torrential rain, thunderstorms, freezing temperatures, and injuries ranging from partially ruptured Achilles tendons to torn muscles.

Despite the challenges, the men completed the full-length run on August 22, and summitted Bluff Knoll the following day, adding an additional 6.8km to the journey.

The ultramarathon raised $13,245 for MS, exceeding their original $10,000 target with the money to be donated to MSWA.

The run was organised by long-time friends Matt Fabila and Ryan Fazzalari through the Desires Movement Run Club, which the pair cofounded.

The club was launched in January this year, as a way to link personal development with community building and support for charitable causes.

Mr Fabila said MS was a cause close to his heart because it was a condition that affected his friend’s mother, and he saw its impacts on day-to-day life.

“MS was close to me because it affected my friend’s mum daily,” he said.

“I saw a way to bring greater awareness to a cause close to me and felt the cause needed greater spotlight.”

Mr Fabila said the support in the Midland area was strong, with community members attending the fundraiser and businesses donating or pledging support.

“Recently retired Fremantle Docker Michael Walters, who always supports things in the local area, came back and hosted the fundraiser night with a Q&A panel to support local boys doing something worthwhile,” he said.

Mr Fazzalari said the Desires run club welcomed new members of all abilities and offered a chance to commit to good causes.

“It wasn’t just about the kilometres,” he said.

“It was about proving to ourselves, and showing others, that when you commit to something bigger than yourself, the impossible becomes possible.”

According to MS Australia, MS is a chronic disease affecting the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve and impacts more young people in Australia than any other chronic progressive neurological disease.

The body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the spine and breaks down the fat protecting the nerves, exposing it and slowing down the brain’s signals to the rest of the body.

This can lead to difficulties walking, reduced hand and arm function, loss of sensation, pain, vision changes and changes to thinking and memory.

There is no known cure for the disease and its various types but care options to support people living with MS are available.

More information can be found at www.msaustralia.org.au